Wrapping It Up: CMC

Throughout my experience in my el electronic communications, I became so much more aware of what computer mediated services is and its’ prevalence in everyday life. Without some of computer service, life could actually be difficult. In general I use CMC for emailing, blogging, instant messaging, social networking, and for keeping in touch with friends and family.

Some of the ideas and concepts that I have learned about computer mediated services are the differences between an online community and just a virtual group, online relationship formations, and the ideas behind social networking sites. I became familiarized with so many different social networking sites that I have never heard of, so it was beneficial to see some of the ones that were out there besides Myspace and Facebook. Speaking of Facebook, the Facebook project that we did in this class was very interesting. It gave me a pretty decent idea of how much time people actually spend on Facebook. It definitely allowed me evaluate myself and see how much time dedicate to cruising on Facebook. I wouldn’t say that I’m addicted but I’m pretty close.

Since taking this class my use of the computer mediated communications has not really change. I don’t use it any more or less than I have previously. I am more aware of how I use them, but the frequency of my use hasn’t changed. There are so many new advances in computer technology that I can’t even keep up, so I just stick to what I know. Overall, it was a beneficial learning experience, the information is necessary because probably by the time I’m thirty, everything will done by computer.

Inefficient Technology

Communication technology in this day and age has been necessary, important, and has made communicating easier and more efficient. On the flip side of this, these technologies have become a bit of a nuisance when they break or shutdown on you. This unfortunately something that can not be avoided. I read a study that discussed the frustration of broken technology http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_Tech_Failure.pdf . According to research done by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, they stated that forty-eight percent of all of technology users need help from others with new devices and many tech users encounter problems with their internet connections, home computers or cell phones. Some specific stats that they provide are that 44 % of those with internet access in their homes say the connection has failed to work properly for them within the last 12 months, and 29% of cell phone users say their device failed to work properly at some time in the previous year.


I have experience so many problems with the internet and my cell phone. On multiple occasions I’ve needed to do a homework assignment, check my email and unable to because the internet was down. It honesty gets to be a little annoying because most of the work that I need to submit needs to be done on the computer. My computer seems to crash almost on a weekly basis, and I can’t ever seem to find the causes or solutions to these problems. When I don’t have the access to the internet, I realize how much I used it and what a necessary it is, and as the saying goes, “you never miss something until it’s gone”. My cell phone has given me problems such as not sending my text messages, receiving messages late or not at all, and constantly not having service. This all becomes frustrating and makes a person not want to invest in something that’s not going to work efficiently.


I believe that because of the prevalence of communication technology, people are going to buy these devices; however, it is the quality of that technology that is going to push consumers away. People need to be ensured that the technology necessary for everyday tasks will function properly to rid of frustration and confusion about the product. This research brings me back to the list of advantages and disadvantages of CMC that was created at the beginning of the semester in my electronic communications class. Yes, computers make research faster and easier. Yes, it connects you to the world within seconds, but no, none of this can be done with a computer doesn’t work.

Dos and Don'ts

Recently in my electronic communication class we have been discussing Facebook and Myspace and how they can be negative instead of positive. I ran upon an article http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/11/05/cb.social.networking/index.html#cnnSTCText. This article discusses all the Do’s and Don’ts of social networking. It states that twenty-two percent of employers say they use social networks such as Facebook, Linkedin, and Brightfuse. Yet, only sixteen percent of workers have modified their profiles with possible employers in mind. An executive director of human resources at Resource Interactive said “We can learn a little more about a candidate’s culture and professionalism”. Some of the top reasons for dismissal from a company due to information found on social networks were drinking and or drug use and inappropriate pictures. The next top reasons were evidence of poor communication skill, negative comments about a former employer and lies about qualifications.


The dos and don’ts that this article suggests regarding social networking are: Do update your profile regularly. Employers like to see top-notch passive job applicants, says Patrice-Anne Rutledge, author of "The Truth About Profiting from Social Networking. Do join groups, but selectively. Don’t join silly groups that potentially can be harmful to your career. And do be on the offense. Make sure you watch what pictures you upload or personal information that has been disclosed on a blog or other sites. Some don’ts are don’t mention your job search if you are still employed, don’t badmouth current or previous employers, and don’t forget that others can see your friends.


I think this article is very beneficial because there is nothing worse than knowing that you did not receive a job based on what you displayed on your Facebook. It’s an eye opener, it make people more conscious of what is being placed on their profiles. I personally always watch everything I say and place on my Facebook profile because I do not want to portray a negative image. I believe that your character is vital in consideration for jobs, so it’s in anyone’s best interest to steer clear of anything that punches holes in their credibility and character. Social networks are now becoming determining factors for people’s futures.

Key Word: Personalize

I would like to begin this blog by saying that in my opinion, there is nothing better than a note, postcard, or letter that is personalized or handwritten. This lets me know that time and thought was put into it, however, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with an email either. But by me saying this, it leads me to an article that I read http://mashable.com/2008/11/03/touchnote/ that talked about Touchnote.com and how it makes the internet more personal. On Touchnote you can create personalized emails, customize cards, and after you have created the personalize item you have the option of either just sending to your loved one or sending it to yourself for a real signature. The latest idea that was recreated on Touchnote is making personalized postcards.


I think this is a nice approach in trying to make the CMC more personal because the internet now a day moves people more and more away from personalization and physical interaction. CMC has become a primary consumer of time. Everything is being done within seconds, and seems like it takes less of an effort. This goes right along with what has been discussed from day one in my electronic communications class. Computers and the internet have become the replacement walking to a mailbox and mailing something, picking up the phone and calling someone, writing letters, and even shopping!


Me personally, I believe that anything handwritten is more thoughtful. I feel that someone sitting down picking up a pen, which is unusual these days, and jotted down feelings on paper, is barely surviving when it’s in competition with a computer. I’m not going to lie I would be a little upset if I received a typed love letter as opposed to a written one, but again that’s me. Words are best expressed on paper, not on a computer screen. I love having the ability to cherish a letter or card, rather than saving it on a computer, because it only takes one time for a computer to crash and there goes that email or electronic card. I applaud Touchnote for there progression towards trying to make the internet more personalized, but even so I would actually like to “touch my note”.

You're Never Too Old

First, I would like to say that you are never too old to find love. Secondly, I would like to say that you are never too old to find love on the internet. I read an article on http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27400087/ that stated that an 81 year old Chinese man named Wu met now 58 year old wife, online. They married three days after meeting in person for the first time. He saw her picture on an online matchmaking website and knew that she was the one for him. He says “The Internet doesn’t belong to the young alone”. He said that he had been using the internet since 1998.


This is a very interesting story because this shows online relationship formations gone “right”. There are always speculations and skepticism when it comes to meeting a mate online. There’s always the thought of if this person really is who they say they are or do they really look like this. It becomes the question of someone’s true self. But in this man’s case, his possible leeriness did not stop him from finding his true love. This also shows how positive online relationship formations can be because when physical contact and face to face conversation is not an option, you can really dig deep into somebody without physical attractiveness getting in the way of the attractiveness of their heart.


This article can relate back to the article called “The Psychology of Cyberspace” http://www-usr.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/showdown.html In this article it is stated that some people believe that they are more directly encountering the person’s heart, mind, and soul when they are not being distracted by appearance. It also states that physical presence is necessary in communication and intimacy which is why people feel they need to meet that person face to face before making any permanent decisions about their relationship. I personally think that online relationships can succeed and have a happy ending like Wu and his bride, because I believe there is a deeper connection when there’s less distractions. And there is someone for everybody regardless of how old you are or how you meet them.

Second Life Equals "Real" Life

This week in my electronic communications class we watched an episode of “True Life: I Live another Life on the Web”. It was about three girls who have completely different lives online than they do in the “real” world. One girl name Keiko is an avid “Second Life” participant, which is 3D virtual world of occupying residents. She’s an aspiring singer-songwriter and is very popular in her virtual world as a rock star but can not find the nerve release her music to the real world because of stage fright. Another girl Judy has a social anxiety disorder; can’t stand to be large crowds because she feels as if all eyes are on her. So to compensate for inability to socially communicate she has created her own personal website, which shall I say is a bit risqué. She takes naked photos in order to receive positive feedback from men that she does not receive in person. She’s so involved in her website that she has a guy paying her rent, which there is no word to describe how I feel about that. Lastly, there was a girl name Maleri. She also did questionable things on the internet that she would never do in person. She did sexual favors such as showing…and I quote “Goods” to different men as a way to heighten her self-esteem.


So what do all these women have in common? They all have such a dependence on the internet for their self-esteem. Their lack of confidence in themselves shows by the extent they go to get the missing elements: attention satisfaction, acceptance, and approval. This relates right back to the “Virtual Community” article as to why people only communicate online, and why they join online communities. People join online communities to find others with the same common interest, which relates to Keiko’s situation. People also join because they need that sense of belonging and acceptance as in Maleri and Judy’s case.


It’s seems to be that the virtual world is beginning to offer more for people than the real world. People are taking expressing themselves in manners that do not really portray who they really are. I believe this could be a negative in the future because no one can hide behind a computer for the rest of their live it’s going to take effort to move into the real world and leave behind the virtual life.

Blog Like Your Life Depended On It.

Blogging involves an individual who creating questions for discussion and or beginning commentary. Who would have ever thought blogging would have reached a level where people blog like there lives depended on it. I read an article called “Blogging Like The World Depended On It: Transforming social networking into social change”. http://www.newsweek.com/id/163022. I think the title of this article speaks for its self. A website, change.org a two year old online-community website, is completely dedicated to addressing all of the world’s latest problems. The managing editor of this website is envisioning this site as place where it can be a “one-stop shop” for the opportunity to discuss news on the any given topics, concerns, and tools for taking action. He stated that “We use blogging to create communities around issues and connect people to actions”. This website has had different involved members who have created communities that have touched lives through the development of non-profit organizations, and raising money for different causes. Tom Watson, the author of the book “Cause Wired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World" states that “there is definitely a role for this (blogging) in the world of social entrepreneurship”.


This article takes me back to the article that I had to read for class called “Virtual Community: Why People Hang Out Online”. People hang out online for reasons such as information exchange, and social support, which is exactly what the article the above talks about. There is constant exchanging of news and information that is accessible to everyone which is necessary in the sustainability of virtual community. The social support is another important theme of that article. The non-profit organizations that were formed on change.org are catering to those who have issues and need support. The world wide support is attracting to people to the blogging community; expanding the virtual interactive population.


I believe that this article is an awesome example of virtual communities because of it being that place where social change is happening. Change.org is that website that exudes all the components of a virtual community. People blog for the enjoyment because the blogger who is involved in this community knows that a life may be touched, and someone’s life could depend on it. This also shows the future of social networking, it’s no longer for just entertainment purposes, but also for expanding on, and meeting the needs of others.

Face to Facebook

I recently ran upon an article on cnn.com, “Face to Facebook: Social Networks Hit the Streets”, http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/09/25/social.networking/index.html#cnnSTCText. This article states that facebook and myspace are of course the reasons people procrastinate, network, and make business connections. According to a social networking expert, Catherine Fake, social networking is only in its prime, the future of these networks is way more exciting. She is the co-founder of Flickr in 2004, and has been an active blogger, and online groupie. Fake states, and I quote, “Online sociality is really the nature of the internet”. She has read that 25 % of internet traffic is online is social networking. The evolution of these social networking is starting to become selective on the people you choose to have contact with. There has been a change from just random befriending to choosing a more selective social group.


Social networking is also becoming more of collaboration more than anything. The article states that it’s more a real-world sociability. An example would be if someone places a picture of maybe a resort they have visited, someone else may see it and that could spark connection to information be given about how this is the place to see. What better way to receive information about something than to get from someone who has experienced it. This is how Fake described the success of Flickr, the consistency of interaction.


This article is so relevant because for the past week for my electronic communications class has been reading and commenting on different article about the creation of online communities, and everything a community needs to succeed. This article talks about how people in social network share comments and form groups based on common interests. This is similar to how communities are formed. Being in a community involves constant interaction which seems to be the reason social networks like Facebook and Myspace are so popular and prosperous. People enjoy the comments that are being left about their pictures or show you interest based on something they see you both have in common. I am actually excited about the evolution that is taking place with social networking because it allows for more interaction and expands my circle to a broader community.


I believe the expansion of social networking could potentially reach a point where that maybe the only way to communicate with others. That could be advantageous; it would make it easier and faster to connect others. However, that could completely have a reverse affect and keep people from truly engaging on a personal level, which can lead to miscommunication and misinformation

The New Generation

I recently read an article about teens believing that cell phones have become more important to them than the clothes they wear. This is according to a national survey given by the wireless trade association CTIA and Harris Interactive, http://tech.msn.com/news/articlecnet.aspx?cp-documentid=10363010. They surveyed 2000 teens; the survey was called “Teenagers: A Generation Unplugged”. Some of the teens also believed that you can judge a person’s popularity based on the cell phone that person uses. Adolescents represent a new and important market for cell phone use; the article states that about 80 percent of teens carry a cell phone. This has gone up from 40 percent in 2004. That statistic alone says speaks a lot about the new generation. Half of the teens who took that survey stated that their cell phone is the key to their social lives.


I think that article is intriguing . Teenagers are so consumed by their phone that, it has come to a point where they are defined by the phone they use. The more high tech and attractive the phone, the more popular and rich you are perceived to be. Wow, is the only comment that I can express. If this is truly the case, I should begin to wonder how I am perceived because I surely do not have the latest and highly technologically advanced cell phone. I am the type of person who just needs something that functions.
I believe this generation is definitely unplugged. I believe this because the teenagers have literally grown up in the “mobile” era. The first commercial cell phone service began in October of 1983 (CTIA). Cell phones have been something we grew up knowing about, the age of the users are getting younger. I personally have seen 7, 8, and 9 year olds with them. What can they do with a cell phone? Technology has become an adolescent’s primary form of entertainment. They are unplugged from the social world, and plugged into the technological world of internet, video games, and cell phones.


In relation back to class, it’s interesting how regular telephones are now seen as an “invisible technology” (Unit 3), which means that we don’t really have enthusiasm or skepticism for it now; it’s a sign of a mature technology. However, the cell phone has now been becoming more and more prevalent, necessary and has become a defining factor of social status among our youth according to the survey. It surely causes for skepticism about the level of performance and abilities which can be a disadvantage of computer mediated communications that were discussed in class. With it comes, lack of personal skills, and sometimes can become a huge consumer of time.

Yellowstone and Cell Phones

Just when I thought the need for cell phones couldn’t any worse I read an article at http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/09/17/yellowstone.cellphones.ap/index.html called “Yellowstone seeks to balance nature, cell phones”. This article stated that in order to balance the competing demands for cell phone service and the tranquility of Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone officials decided to draft a plan to guide the development of wireless service in the park. This plan was also created in order to have wireless and cell phone services in larger developmental areas with stores and hotels. Many assessments say that this plan could have a potential negative effect on the threatened endangered species, and the wilderness. Are we willing as a society to risk the danger of wildlife for service for technology? This is a question we all must ponder.

As I examined this article, I noticed that the title of the article in itself explains the excessive use of the cell phone. Cell phone use has become like second nature, they’re so necessary that without them we are unable to function correctly. Therefore, it seems to me that the need to expand wireless and cell phone service has become more important than the observance of beauty and tranquility of nature. I believe that this is also an example of how computer mediated communications is disconnecting us from the outside world. I feel this way because it seems as if the world has such a need for technology that we miss connection to the living. What really is the point of going to the America’s first national park if a person’s possible main concern is the availability of wireless and cell phone services? Although this type of service is necessary, it is interesting the extensive planning and time consumption that comes with making it so obtainable. This plan is not only to make sure people have a memorable time inhaling the fragrance of nature or enjoying the scenery of Old Faithful (the park’s most visited site), but also the courtesies of communication technology.

In relation back to my electronic communications class, Thurlow and Brown (2003) support an idea of the notion of communication imperative. This implies that humans even at birth are driven to increase their communication satisfaction and interaction. So we try to overcome any obstacles that may prevent us from having technology readily available in any way. In relation to this article the need for service was necessary so a plan was drawn out in order to satisfy the visitor’s “necessity”.

Stop Hiding!

Recently in my electronic communications class we have been discussing how technology has been replacing interpersonal interaction in relationships. Online relationships have flourished since the advancement of the internet. More and more relationships are being formed through the internet, e-mails, and text messages. There are some advantages and disadvantages of this. Advantages of this would be being able to truly see a person’s inner qualities and see them for who they really are rather than going off physical attraction. Disadvantages would be that information can easily be misinterpreted. A connection can be in lack because you are not able to see the other person.


So now the question is, have I experienced this? The answer is yes, I personally have experienced the “electronic” relationship. It began with a text message, and has continued to be that way till now. It seems to be that I am more comfortable just talking to this person over the phone and texting rather than seeing this person face-to-face. When we actually met in person for the first time, it was an awkward experience simply because the same reactions and feelings that were expressed over the phone I could not express in person. There was no computer screen or phone to hide behind; it was up close and personal. Preferably I would have liked to have met first to begin the relationship in order to alleviate any fears and speculations.


In another instance I found myself using the cell phone as a way to escape nervousness or making eye contact with someone I didn’t want to talk to. When I feel uncomfortable in foreign places, I have the tendency to use my phone as my security blanket; automatically I open my phone and act as if I am texting someone or surfing the net. I do this subconsciously and it’s interesting how dependent on my phone I am in situations such as this. By me using my phone to hide my nervousness, it is directly cutting me out of social interaction. It cuts of the possibility of potential relationships being formed and may portray to me as being antisocial and consumed by this device. I seriously need to find an alternative method to dealing with this because if not I may miss out on someone who’s worthy of forming a relationship with.

But I digress and said all that to say this, stop hiding behind cell phones and computer screens!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Today we watched an episode of the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. After viewing the episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer it is interesting to see how prevalent the usage of computer was even in 1997. It seemed to be that the computers were not as technologically advanced but yet had the same effect on human behavior in society as computers do now. Computers are becoming so dominant that society has lost the desire for intimacy of face to face conversation, or relationships. Some say society can not survive without computer because of the dependence that has been created due excessive usage. A specific quote from one of the characters was “If you’re not jacked in, you’re not alive”. The internet has a way of drawing in the user in a way that causes them to browse and investigate deeper into the net. In this particular episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, one of the characters Willow, was manipulated by technology. The demon that was scanned into the computer could symbolized the internet and how people can be controlled by a computer. The demon in the computer tricked Willow into believing that she was in love with a gentleman who consistently sent her e-mails and instant messages. Creating relationships such as those can cause for harmful circumstances and contact with predators. In another instance from this episode the obedience to the computer resulted in a ruthless and demanding act, suicide. Dave, the computer nerd's obsession lead to him being brainwashed by the computer, which then resulted in death.

CMC as time moves on will become more and more antisocial because personal communication is limited because of the use of the internet. Once people have been disconnected from society due to their connection and obsession with a computer, and are no longer socially efficient, you can then be left with the feeling of isolation. This episode is the perfect example of how computers are taking over the world. The advance in computer science has taken the place of books, letter writing, and individual interactions. Knowledge used to be dominantly obtained by reading a book and hands on contact. The librarian Rupert stated that “Knowledge should be tangible”, you should be able to smell and feel the texture of the pages. Now the internet makes research easier and faster. In the future the more that technology advances the more people will have an excuse to not leave the house. We will be confined by the computer, having it make important life decisions and disconnecting us from the society while yet keeping us connected to the world through the computer screen.