Negative aspects of internet communication.
During face-to-face communication we rely heavily upon facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language to interpret what someone is saying. Communication on the internet includes E-mail, instant messenger, chat room, or message boards. With these methods of communication on the internet facial expression, tone of voice and body language become obsolete. (http://www.webliminal.com/essentials/eoc-rtfs/ch03.htm. Date accessed 5/12/03.).
This exposes some obvious set backs. Communicating over the internet will cause misinterpretation of meaning.
Why are these types of expressions so important? Why do we misinterpret over internet communication, aren't words just as important? The tone of somebody's voice allows us to tell if they are happy, sad, mad, or being sarcastic. Facial expressions tell us about the mood and emotions of a person. Body language gives us clues as to whether the person we are talking with is actually listening to us, if they are interested in the conversation, or if they are bored. Without this support, we are left to decipher for ourselves. (http://www.webliminal.com/essentials/eoc-rtfs/ch03.htm. Date accessed 5/12/03.).
We can clearly see where misinterpretation would be an often occurrence. We could be in a great mood and we assume the person we are speaking with is also in a great mood but we may be wrong. With all these things in mind it makes us think what communication skills we are losing when the majority of our time is spent on the internet. Are we gaining skills? Throughout this study the only skill that is built upon is typing speed. There has to be more positive aspects of communication over the internet? For one we no longer have the intimidation factor, sometimes talking to a girl/boy face-to-face is heart racing. However, over an email it's a piece of cake. For the individual this may be a plus. Now it's just as easy for someone to communicate with someone of the opposite sex, but the conversations advance much more rapidly.
