Online Alter Egos

MTV’s True Life documentaries are known for their shocking, real and often emotional moments. The women featured in this episode found a battle within themselves and their alter ego on the web. The episode, I Live Another Life on the Web, and this article I discovered are both very pertinent to many of our class discussions. Not surprisingly, these issues occur frequently and affect many individuals throughout their lives.

During our various class discussions, we have agreed that many individuals use the web as a convenient method to hide their insecurities. Also, in one of our most recent handouts we discussed different terms that we use to define ourselves. Among these terms we discussed that, many of these women had an unrealistic self-concept and unhealthy methods of developing their self-esteem.

It is very simple for an individual, such as the women in the episode and the article, to discover hidden confidences through their online identities. However, the results can be positive because various users such as Keiko, a Second Life user from True Life, were able to build their confidence online and slowly direct their energy to everyday life. On the subject of Second Life, the article discussed the lack of physical barriers when an individual uses this 3-D virtual world. This is a valid point because an individual who is not physically capable can meet other people from around the world, without being judged on their differences.

Second Life users are able to configure their “avatar” to be something or someone they have always desired. To be fair, I am sure many users model the avatar after themselves, but it is still difficult to convey an accurate portrayal of individual’s personality. In addition, online alter egos allow individuals to delay their problems, such as social anxiety in the case of Judy from True Life. It is simple to use an alter ego as a quick fix, but generally the solutions are not long term.

However, there are many problems with users becoming dependent on their online alter ego. People are not being themselves and potentially giving others a false sense of relationship. Are relationships developed online focused more on a user’s real world persona or their alter ego? This is a difficult question to answer and it may be subjective depending upon the individual and their online participation.

The individuals featured in the article and documentary, have expressed various reasons for their online participation, but the results are similar. They are living another life losing sight of valuable face-to-face communication and their desire to evolve themselves into the person they want to be.

The Evolution of Social Networking Sites

We often think of social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace as a method to keep in touch with friends, share photos and develop relationships. However, this article takes a slightly different approach to social sites. According to the article, social networks are going corporate in order to enhance the communication among works and increase their productivity.

As I was reading this article, I was thinking back to our most recent class discussion on the distinctions between a group, community and social network. Most of our class, including myself, agreed that social networks generally are used for self-gain and they can be somewhat vague. However, after reading the article, it appears that social networks are evolving beyond self-gain into an effective communication method to combat the unstable economy.

It is important to note that these social networking sites are not your traditional Facebook and Myspace. While they carry the same concept, their specifics are very different. Most of the corporate social networks are private for employee use only and they have been proven to reduce the amount of unnecessary material generally associated with e-mail. Another major advantage is the wealth of information that is spread quickly on an international level improving business operations for both companies and consumers. Among the noticeable improvements is worker productivity because workers can ask company related questions and develop a unique corporate culture.

As I re-read the article, several of the characteristics of these sites are very similar to the list of attributes we compiled in our class discussion about online communities. In our class discussion, we listed the important aspects of a community including: regularity among multiple members, discussions, shared/directed information, shared interest and expanded knowledge. Many of the preceding terms are also used when describing corporate social networks. During our online class unit, we read a literature review, which stated the reason why most people choose to join a virtual community is to access information (Furlong, 1989; S.G. Jones, 1995; Wellman et al., 1996). Information exchange is also one of the foremost reasons companies are shifting to social networks, displaying another important similarity.

As corporate social sites are becoming more common and effective, I believe we will see an evolution from social networks into online communities. Online communities will allow companies to develop international connections and disseminate information efficiently.

The "New" Facebook

Facebook is undoubtedly one of the largest social networks and online communities, with 100 million members throughout the world. It has not only become a source of entertainment it has become a way of life for many members. As Facebook released its “new” design millions of members were annoyed and protested through petitions which are evident within this article. One petition listed in the article contained nearly 1.5 million names. That statistic is astonishing, 1.5 million names over a social network that should be used for friendships and recreation.

Recreation is a common characteristic of online communities according to the Virtual Community article in our readings. However, I believe Facebook is moving beyond the recreation aspect and is evolving into a daily routine for most members. In our online unit, we read an article by Howard Rheingold concerning individuals who had become addicted to their online communities and Facebook is no different. Our generation is slowly becoming dependent on services such as Facebook, with one user in this article referring to Facebook as “…a classy girlfriend you once loved.”

It would be safe to say that most of the members that were opposed to the new design were from our generation, ages 16 to 24 years old. Our generation should put this energy into issues such as the presidential election and the economy, rather than an online community. In the future is it honestly going to matter what bumper sticker you gave someone or will an individual be more affected by the current $700 billion bail out. I guarantee students can describe the new design of Facebook more adequately than the cause for rising fuel prices. It may be easier for me to voice my opinion because I am not an avid user of Facebook, although I am a member.

Overall, I think Facebook is a good thing to keep in touch with friends and family. However, the problem arises when a “new” design for Facebook is turns into a social issue. Our generation should spend less time focusing on small issues and look at the larger picture.

The Future of Online Dating

Online dating is a very interesting subject and many individuals are very opinionated about it. Some individuals believe it is beneficial, while others view it as an unsafe dating method. We viewed one instance of online interaction that led to a relationship in “You’ve Got Mail.” The method of CMC in the movie was somewhat primitive, but its premise still holds true. Online dating allows individuals to express themselves in different ways from face-to-face communication. We discussed in class, online dating helps individuals meet people they more than likely would have never met in person, but this article about WooMe TV expands on this topic.

WooMe TV allows individuals to listen as well as view the individuals with whom they are conversing. In class, we constructed a list of various aspects that attract us to an individual; at the top of our list was appearance. WooMe TV fills the void of appearance generally associated with online dating. As were learned in our Messages in Context reading, many individuals believe that appearance holds too much weight in face-to-face interactions. However, WooMe TV’s video clips bridge the gap between traditional online dating methods with still pictures and face-to-face interactions. In our class discussion we concluded, although an individual can discover many things including appearance via online dating, the context is simply different.

One of the goals of WooMe TV is to eliminate the awkward face-to-face introduction, which can occur in interpersonal communication. As I viewed several 60-second video clips, many were awkward, impersonal and childish. I felt awkward watching the clips let alone actually using them to evolve a relationship. However, these brief dating sessions help users to experience the beginning stages of an internet relationship, which we have discussed in class. Users can experience the first two stages, curiosity and investigating, by exploring various video clips within the WooMe archive as well as chatting with appealing individuals. I believe WooMe TV extenuates the 3rd stage, testing, by allowing users to use the posted video dates to find common ground with other users. Within the testing stage, WooMe TV has the advantage, as mentioned in Messages in Context, of allowing one individual to “meet” many individuals quickly.

Overall, I believe face-to-face communication and introductions are much more effective and they accurately portray an individual’s personality. Although WooMe TV users can view an individual in the midst of a conversations, several doubts may still arise.

We are Becoming a Video Game Nation

Traditionally there has been conflict of whether or not video games have a positive social effect on children. Initially when I read this article, http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/study-gaming-among-teens-promotes-social-interaction-and-civic-engagement/?biz=1 I was a bit skeptical. However, after reading that 97% of children ages 12-17 play video games I realized this is a large issue. After discussing CMC in class, I feel as though children have become mesmerized by CMC especially through the means of computer games and video game systems. Also, after working with a local youth group and summer camp, I have recognized that children’s social skills are not adequate.

This article took a different route, claiming children receive a significant amount of social interaction and civic engagement through video games. After reviewing Unit 4, there was a brief description of communication, which included ranking sociability, sensitivity, warmth and friendliness in order to understand ‘social presence.’ Children can be sociable and friendly through their gaming experiences, but how do they receive sensitivity and warmth? As suggested by Unit 4, I understand not all communication is perfect, but it is much easier for children to become anti-social through their reliance on video games. In my eyes gaming prevents children from receiving the full benefits of interpersonal, face to face communication.

During a class discussion we determined that the Internet is a paradox in which following every positive there is a negative. I believe gaming is similar, there are benefits with certain games but do they outweigh the negatives? I still do not believe that all video games stimulate social interaction in children. It is the job of parents, teachers and role models to make certain children are enhancing themselves and others around them with the games they play.

For example, video game systems such as Nintendo’s Wii and Leapfrog promote family and friend interaction. I believe this is more a subtle method to evolve the social skills of children because they play the games for fun and interaction is an added benefit. On the other hand, I still do not advocate the extremely violent or degrading video games because there is nothing positive that can result. I may not be sucked in completely to the idea that most video games can promote social interaction, but I do believe several video games and systems can expand a child’s interpersonal skills.

When did you get your first cell phone?

Two weeks ago, our Electronic Communication class experienced five days without various forms of CMC, including cell phones. After listening to the class discussion many people, including myself agreed that cell phone usage was difficult to forego. After reading a recent article, http://blogs.usatoday.com/technologylive/2008/09/40-of-teenagers.html, the reliance of cell phones is also increasing rapidly among younger generations. I understand I am only 22 years old, but when I was a teenager, cell phones were used as a safety precaution for young drivers and informing parents when practice was finished.

According to this article, we have now moved into a society where nearly 50% of teenagers claim they cannot “live” without their cell phones. For example, I teach at a youth group for 5th-8th graders and several 5th graders own cell phones. I understand I may take an “old-school” stand on this matter, but is it truly necessary for 13 year old children to have smart phones?

I would agree with the perception that society and cell phone companies are targeting younger users with flashy phone designs and beefed up media plans. Also, several companies have begun listening to this younger audience in order to uncover innovative product ideas. Because of these reasons, cell phones have become engrained in their lifestyle and evolved into a status symbol. In Unit 3, we discussed the concept of invisible technology in which we rely heavily on specific types of technology making them commonplace. In my eyes, cell phones have definitely become invisible technology especially within the teenager segment.

Text messaging is not far behind the societal reliance on cell phones conversations. In order to understand the prevalence of text messaging, early in the class we were given the statistic that ten billion text messages went through AT&T in one quarter. Also, according to this article nearly 50% of teenagers claim they can text while blindfolded. The younger generation has moved past the simplicity of regular conversations into a world of text/picture messaging and smart phones. It is essential for older generations to continue stressing the importance of face to face communication and the life-enhancing qualities that can result from social interaction.

I guess you could say I view this situation with a somewhat dystopian vision (Unit 3) in which teenagers are becoming addicted to cell phone usage and consequently hindering their social structures. Although younger generations have become advanced in CMC, antisocial behavior could prove to be a problem in the future.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

The episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a great representation of the role the Internet plays in our lives. Although the episode was produced nearly ten years ago, the idea of the Internet and CMC consuming our lives was not farfetched.

We have become reliant on technology as a primary source of interaction and communication. This reliance has led many individuals to lose a sense of face to face interpersonal communication and adequate social skills. The episode showed Willow developing a relationship with Malcolm, solely through the means of CMC. Unbeknownst to Willow, Malcolm was not the person he appeared to be and threatened her safety.

Willow’s situation is not an anomaly and sadly this type of situation occurs daily. In the episode a character accurately defined our current technological culture by stating that computers are “showing students a world with love, power and knowledge.” Many people find security when using the Internet and CMC because they can hide behind a façade and fill various voids in their lives.

In terms of interpersonal communication and the episode it is difficult to discover an individual’s personality and their intentions through CMC. A problem with the Internet arises because it fits the role of text based communication but lacks content associated with interpersonal communication such as nonverbal cues. As we discussed in Unit 1, CMC and the Internet have a psychological impact allowing someone to develop a persona and become someone they are not. The Internet contains a wealth of information making it very simple for a user to become asocial or antisocial and manipulate others through CMC.

Although it may appear the Internet is full of negativity, there are some positive aspects especially for the future. Our generation as well as future generations will be accustom to using CMC because it is becoming invisible technology as referred to by Unit 3. The Internet has become both a method of gathering information as well as a complete, customized experience. CMC will help conversing with loved ones and friends much easier and efficient. Our CMC capabilities will reach further than text-based communication such as AOL Instant Messenger and E-mail. We now have the ability to share full experiences and moments with family members through videos and pictures. The Internet will continue to be a primary mean of global communication for both personal and professional use.