COMPUTER MEDIATED SOCIETY

Maintaining Social Dynamics in a Computer Mediated Society

Maintaining Social Dynamics in a Computer Mediated Society

Introduction Communication is the most universal form of interaction in society. In Message Matters (2007), the author states that “communication is the basis for all cooperative action and essential ingredient in making change” (p 4). Conrad and Poole (2005) define communication as a process through which people, acting together, create, sustain, and manage meanings through the use of verbal or nonverbal signs and symbols with a particular context (p 41). So, if we agree with these authors, communication is a vital part of our lives. With the exception of a small majority of people, almost every household in America uses some form of technology: whether it is a desk top or lap top computer, Ipod, cell phone or microwave oven. These advancements in technology are useful tools and helps to make lives more productive and less hectic. Notwithstanding that point, a question can be asked about the homes in the minority. How does that section of people manage to survive without all the gadgets, and maintain a certain level of personal contact? Phillips (1992) makes the following statement: If computers have not yet transformed your work life or lifestyle, you are in a minority among the citizens of developed nations. Technology has increased the communication and information options even of this minority. Our attitude and approach to work and leisure, the way we interact with other people, and the way we think about our careers and our unique capabilities all these are under assault from advancing technology. Telecommuting, video recording, voice mail, and computer- aided instruction are but a few of the innovations driving these transformations. (p xiii)

In years past, face-to-face communication was the popular choice. Friends got together for drinks or to watch a ball game. Problems were resolved in person, not over the phone. Physical responses cannot be exchanged or replaced through technological means. Bonsall and Chesebro (1989) states in face-to-face communication conveying meaning, vocal quality or pitch and tone are as important as the content of the message itself. In a computer-mediated exchange, the authors say verbal communication must always be in written form. In the wake of text messaging, video conference, emails, social networks, dating networks, blogging, etc., it would appear face-to-face communication is being pushed aside to make way for a computer mediated generation. Has the inception of the latest technological fad gotten society away from interpersonal contact and made people more reliant on gadgets? Is the road back to interpersonal communication too far a journey that society has simply succumbed and surrendered to the invasion? We lead hectic, multi-tasking lives both at home and in the workplace these days, and we find the need for balance even more critical than in days gone by. It is understandable that technology can be impersonal, but it's quick. Even though, time has to be scratched out for more people-to-people connections, the reality of the hectic pace does not leave much time ...