Interpersonal Communication and Social Media

  • Electronically Mediated Communication (EMC): Refers to communication methods via technology (e.g., social media, texts, emails).

  • Sherry Turkle's Insight: Technology changes not just actions but identities.

  • Mediated Communication History: Traditionally through letters; modern methods include instant messaging and social networking.

  • Impact of Tech on Conversations: Presence of smartphones diminishes face-to-face interaction quality.

Effects of Social Media on Relationships

  • Transformative Nature: Social media changes how relationships are formed and maintained.

  • Perception of EMC: Can be satisfying and lead to deeper connections, akin to face-to-face relationships.

  • Negative Effects: Excessive online time may impair listening and being present.

  • Positive Side: Increased connectivity with unknown individuals, enhancing social networks.

Role of Emotions in Communication

  • Definition of Emotion: Includes biological, cognitive, behavioral, and subjective components.

  • Expressing Emotions: More likely in interpersonal than impersonal relationships; nonverbal cues often reveal true feelings.

  • Cultural Influence: Emotional expressions and responses are learned from cultural context.

  • Emotional Contagion: Emotions can spread in social settings, affecting overall mood.

Understanding of EMC Differences

  • Time Shifting: EMC can be asynchronous (e.g., texts) vs. synchronous (e.g., face-to-face).

  • Anonymity: Varying degrees lead to bolder or deceptive communication.

  • Potential for Deception: Easier to lie in EMC; liars often use specific language cues.

  • Nonverbal Cues Loss: Reliance on words means additional methods like emoticons are used to convey emotions.

  • Written Word Importance: Enhances control over communication but demands good writing skills.

  • Physical Distance Advantage: Allows global communication easily.

Theories of EMC

  • Cues-Filtered-Out Theory: Suggests emotion is restricted in text-based messages due to lack of nonverbal cues.

  • Media Richness Theory: Channels differ in richness; richer media convey more feedback and cues, affecting message choice.

  • Social Information-Processing Theory: Relational messages can be communicated online but may take more time to express.

Recap of Theories

  • Cues-Filtered-Out Theory: Limitation of emotional expression and cue transfer in text.

  • Media Richness Theory: Communication effectiveness depends on feedback, cue diversity, language variety, and emotion expression.

  • Social Information-Processing Theory: Emotional expression online is slower but viable, leading to meaningful relationships over time.