A persuasive paper arguing that, although the Internet fosters social interactions and networking, it may also lead to isolation and social disintegration.
Abstract The paper explains three downsides of home pages and associated personal content used for self-expression in young adults. The paper explores Erik Erikson's theories of psycho-social developmental stages and Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development to theorize about the impact of the Internet on social disintegration. The paper shows how, when used judiciously to promote healthy identity formation or to facilitate human communications, the Internet can be a boon for society. The paper stresses, however, that the Internet has become an emblem of deep-rooted social problems related to the disintegration of traditional communities. The paper maintains that the Internet needs to be combined with traditional social interactions in school so that children, adolescents, and young adults use the media as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, face-to-face communications.
From the Paper "The Internet has facilitated communication, commerce, and information dissemination. However, the downside to the Internet has become the topic of recent research due to the proliferation of digital media and the ways the computer has infiltrated human society. Well before the Internet flourished, computers replaced human beings in multiple job sectors, leading to loss of livelihood and corresponding loss of pride. Science fiction abounds with tales of man-machine interfaces and battles between human and cyborg. The Internet has also transformed the nature of human communications, depersonalizing them to the extent that individuals can easily hide behind pseudonyms . Anonymity and the isolation it can breed are among the possible deleterious effects of Internet use. Moreover, research shows that the effects the Internet has on young people may be profound including increased social anxiety and depression (Liu & Kuo 2007)."
Abstract Over the last several years communications technology has evolved dramatically. To wit, things such as the Internet, iPods, Blackberries and high definition television are all items that were either non-existent or unavailable to the general public less a decade ago. The paper examines the rapid evolution of communication technology by looking at one particular aspect of it; specifically, time will be devoted to exploring the current state of Internet television, as two of today's most widespread communication media gradually merge into one.
Abstract This paper argues that just because society is technologically progressing does not mean that people have to regress socially in their communications with others. The paper addresses certain aspects of interpersonal communications that are essential in all types of effective communication, while demonstrating that there are some unique skills necessary to specifically enhance Internetcommunications. In addition, the paper discusses how words have the power to create and affect attitudes, behavior, and perception. Furthermore, the paper defines emotional intelligence and illustrates its importance in Internet exchanges. Moreover, the paper evaluates appropriate levels of self-disclosure in relationships, and how lines can be inadvertently crossed when using the Internet due to false feelings of security and of anonymity.
From the Paper "Additionally, considering the words we want to use and taking care to find the meaning we choose to send to a receiver is a sign of emotional intelligence, also known as EI or EQ. This term, coined by Daniel Goleman, is defined as "the ability to understand and get along well with others. ... (T)his kind of intelligence is made up of five characteristics: being self-aware, managing emotions, motivating yourself, recognizing emotion in others, and handling relationships..." ). I, personally, have learned a lot about emotional intelligence in this class and in other online classes from our discussion board postings."
A discussion of the relationship between college students' confidence in internet research sources and their willingness to attribute them in research projects.
Abstract This paper examines how as the field of internet research grows, both in the amount of information it provides and the frequency with which it is utilized, the question of a possible relationship exists between this frequency of use and the willingness or unwillingness of student users to report or to admit, having used Internet based sources. The literature review section applies and discusses relevant communication theories, including the technological determinism of Marshal McLuhan. The paper proposes a study to determine the underlying causes for such a correlation, including the level of student confidence in the Internet and the level of quality of the material on the Internet. The study reviews the existing theories applicable to the subject, surveys internet sites and question students themselves.
From the Paper "Modern technology has done wonders for today's society. The speed and quality of communications are better than they ever have been before. People living on opposite sides of the world are no longer far away, and now they can reach each other instantly ? by simply picking up a phone or logging on to the internet. In fact, the internet is perhaps the single greatest technology to emerge in this century. Everyday people now have access to billions upon billions of pieces of information, on practically any subject imaginable. Virtual online "communities" have formed, where people participate in communication of a social nature with others from all over the world. The internet has also become an enormous source of entertainment, with its online casinos, games and chat rooms, among other things. Nowhere is the subject of internet research more prevalent than in the academic sphere."
Abstract The paper discusses some of the positive as well as the negative aspects of the Internet and personal relationships. The paper looks at the view that the facilities and technologies that the Internet provides increases the possibilities and opportunities for personal relationships. The paper then considers the view that online interaction can never take the place of real face-to-face interaction in the development of relationships, since Internetrelationships lead to a reduction of social cues.
From the Paper "In the first instance, the internet is all about communication. In other words, the primary function of the Internet is to facilitate easy access to information and to enable rapid and effective modes of communication. Since its inception, the Internet has shown remarkable growth and an increase in technologies that can provide more user-friendly and effective means of communication. This refers in particular to the advent of online forums, chat rooms and, more recently, the increasing popularity of social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook."
Abstract The writer examines in personal details her views and opinions on gender and communication. The writer explores family relationships as well as the marked differences in intimate communications between friends and family members and the ins and outs of communicating via the internet. The writer of this paper finds that in researching this particular topic, nearly all gender communications bibliographic information was found to be issue specific, resulting in the writer using her own personal experiences as a main source of reference.
Topics covered in this paper include:
Introduction and Thesis
Communications Within the Family Background and Family Structure
Areas of Communications Between Genders
The Mechanics of Intimate Gender Communications Intimate Communications and Friendship
The Internet Trap
Conclusions on Intimate Communication Bibliography
From the Paper "Another area where both genders get into difficulties on the Internet using the World Wide Web are in the "romance or love or lifestyles" sections of many of the major search engines. Here they can categorize themselves as to whatever it is they are looking for and through instant messaging, e-mail or chat-rooms can actually converse with a party on the other end ostensibly searching for the same as you. Be very wary of what information one gives if the urge is overwhelming to use this form of communication for intimacy.
There have been rapes; murders, serial killings and stalking of every manner one can imagine connected with these areas."
Tags:relationship, personal, communication, family
Abstract This paper discusses how communication may be personal or impersonal, as long as the two-communicator requirement is achieved. In particular, it examines the kind of communication present in a romantic relationship maintained and conducted via the online mode using computer-mediated communication over the Internet. This paper outlines, studies, and analyzes the dynamics of an online romantic relationship through a literature review and personal experience.
From the Paper "The second stage of our relationship, involvement, includes interaction and communication by sharing personal information about our selves with each other. After Ashley and I had met and "seen" each other through pictures, out interest with each other further developed as we progressed to the involvement stage. In this stage, information sharing is the vital factor that relates two communicators in an interaction (relationship). In communication, Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor best describe this stage through the Social Penetration Theory. The Social Penetration Theory posits that ?[c]ommunicators? personalities can be represented by a sphere with layers; it has both breadth and depth? As the relationship develops, the partners share more aspects of the self, providing breadth as well as depth."
Abstract Discusses Marshall McLuhan's 1959 book UNDERSTANDING MEDIA as predicting electronic communications and the Internet. Interactive computing; access to its various forms. McLuhan's theories regarding "cool" and "hot" technologices and their relationships. Internet as a prime example of incorporating existing media with a new way to access it. How communication on the Internet is accomplished; transmission of files.
From the Paper "When Marshall McLuhan wrote his book on electronic communication, Understanding Media (1959), he envisioned technological changes supplanting existing media with new media that would incorporate old media an alter the social structure at the same time. He traced such changes through history and showed how they had taken place many times before, with new technologies arriving that incorporated older ones. The new technologies he called "hot," and the old ones "cool." The Internet did not exist when McLuhan wrote this book, but he seems to be predicting just the sort of change that the Internet is bringing.
Interactive computing is found on the Internet, a loose agglomeration of computing networks that enables the user to access vast amounts of information from sources all over the..."
Abstract This well-researched paper examines the primary motives among young people for using the internet, as well as the manner in which it is being utilized. The writer of this paper identifies current, as well as future trends, which directly impact on the incidences of loneliness among this segment of the population. This paper analyzes the published research, which compares internet addiction to that of alcohol and substance addiction. The research results, presented in this paper, prove that more and more young people are using the internet as an alternative to traditional methods of socialization. The writer contends and explains why the internet has become an avenue of escape, rather than a vehicle of enlightenment. This paper focuses on three specific objectives, consisting of: Identifying the incidence of internet usage among the target population, determining how it's being used by the respondents and assessing the impact of this particular from of communication, on adolescents.
Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Background of the Problem
Significance of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Review and Discussion
Impact of Online Experiences on Adolescent Socialization
Quality of Adolescent Relationships Formed Online
Method
Data Analysis
References
From the Paper "In an online environment, young people may frequently miss out on the opportunities that have traditionally served to shape the values, norms and traditions within a culture. According to Branch, "As adolescents grow physically and cognitively they discover more nuances in themselves and how they impact others. The increased independence that typifies adolescence is labeled as rebellious by some parents, but in many instances, the adolescent's push for autonomy has little to do with the adolescent's feelings toward the parent." "The exact function of the quest for autonomy is less important than the fact that it occurs almost universally. Recent research suggests that seeking autonomy is not necessarily a sign that an adolescent's life will be filled with storm and stress. Instead, the process may proceed quite smoothly if the parents and family of the adolescent are reasonably healthy and accepting of the inevitable change."
Abstract This paper explains how the Information Highway will affect the society in a manner that cannot yet be imagined and instead of a means of uniting the world the author feels that the technological revolution is creating a divide within society furthering social stratification and changing the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.
From the paper:
"As the communications revolution reaches its climax the society is increasingly becoming virtual. Millions of Internet users are logging one every day and interacting with each other over the Internet. Where once socialization was limited within borders today, the society is increasingly becoming borderless as the Internet creates a global world. Chat systems like MSN and AOL Messenger, ICQ and MIRC have captured the people's imagination and no longer is there a need to have personal face-to-face meetings. The interactive software's allow a user to have web conferences, meetings and chat with more than one person at a time. Society is becoming impersonal as concepts like 'cyber love' and 'cyber world' emerge. "
Abstract This paper explores the growth of the Internet as a means of mass communication. The paper notes that, as the Internet has developed over the years, more services have been added and users can access huge amounts of information. The author also describes the concerns that are emerging today as to its potential to reduce social interaction and isolate users from the community.
From the Paper "From the beginning of the Internet as a means of mass communication, critics have seen this development as having the potential to reduce social interaction and isolate users from the community. As more and more types of service are added to the Internet, these concerns have only increased. However, at the same time, the Internet has developed its own sense of community, though certainly this is a community with minimal personal interaction, leaving open the question of how damaging a shift from a face-to-face community to an online community may be.
"Kraut (1998), a professor of social psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, conducted a study and found that the Internet was dangerous to one's social and psychological well being (Plotnikoff, 2001, paras. 1-11)). Tranvik (2001) addresses a the key question when he asks about the new technologies, "will they cause unimaginable levels of social isolation, or will they bring a new society with a friendlier face" (Tranvik, 2001, para. 1). The fear has been that they will bring more isolation, though many users believe they interact more with others online than they do in life. Cyberspace most certainly does constitute a new community to which virtually anyone may belong, and how helpful or harmful this may be will be clear in time."
Abstract This paper reveals that far from the utopian vision of a massive sharing of intellectual insights, the Internet has become balkanized and fragmented, which has led to a marked reduction in collaboration on research and discoveries. The paper also explains that the rise in the corporate use of the Internet has driven up the need to validate someone within any online community, leading to the decrease of trust. The paper discusses the novel "1984" by George Orwell that defines a totalitarian state, dominated by excessive monitoring and control of its citizens. The paper applies this to today's pervasive use of monitoring technologies.
Outline:
Introduction
The Internet's Balkanization and the Quantification of Trust
Quantification of trust
Orwellian Monitoring Strategies in the 21st Century
Conclusion
From the Paper "As the most ubiquitous, debated and increasingly relied on communication medium ever, the Internet has significantly influenced and impacted the lives of literally millions of people globally. The value judgment of whether the Internet has unified versus fragmented or balkanized communities is a subject of far-ranging debate. The one truth beginning to emerge however that is the Internet has increasingly become a medium that invites the creation of one's own unique voice and perspective being instantly available to millions of others. The meteoric rise of blogs, and with them, the influence of all forms of Consumer Generated Media (CGM) is evidence of how individuals are seeking out their own unique identity online. It is debatable however if these many forms of free speech are leading to more fluid movement of intellectual discoveries, insights and documents."
Abstract This paper outlines a study that would focus on the role of relationships online and how they transfer offline, particularly in terms of their development, transition and ramifications. The paper suggests that such a study could help shed some light on the growing role of Internet dating and how it has come to intersect society.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hypothesis
Methodology
Data Collection and Analysis
Summary
Conclusion
Review of Literature
From the Paper "Harmon describes the transformation as a gradual one, eased with the lack of promise posed by purely physical relationships. Inherent in her study is the fact that an online relationship may not come to fruition offline; unlike a Friday night dinner date, no one is faced with public humiliation or the awkward kiss good-bye. While her discussion centers on the future of online dating through mutual subjects, her conclusion is profitable for exploring online infidelity. Many relationships cultivated online are now such an integral part of social life that the physical fruition is longer covered in a stigma, suggesting that the relationships based in a chatroom easily extend beyond the cables, power cord, and internet code of conduct."
Abstract This paper looks at the prevalence of Internet use and examines aspects such as the impact it has on our communication, employment, shopping habits, leisure and use of information. It discusses equality of access and the possibility that the Internet could become part of high culture as well as the positive and negative possibilities of electronic communication, including its potential use in terrorism, decentralisation of society and destruction of communities. The paper concludes that while there are arguments that suggest that the Internet is responsible for isolating people and weakening social controls and community bonds, it could also be argued that the Internet is a form of glue within modern societies, providing yet another means of communication to further strengthen the bonds within communities and families.
From the Paper "The internet was originally developed by the US military as a form of transmitting messages and information between officers in different locations, and was then developed further by universities, with the aim of encouraging more academic debate between scholars across the world. With the advent of the personal computer and the boom in personal ownership, the internet became accessible to millions of households during the 1990s and its growth and popularity has continued, with the advance of high-speed and digital connections becoming more readily available. "
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the pros and cons of relying so heavily on the rapidly advancing electronic communication that's so readily available. This paper discusses the impact that the internet has on our daily lives as well as the mixed reactions and assumptions as to the real capacity of its ability to bring about changes in society. The writer ponders whether the experiences and actions of an individual in cyberspace are actually influenced by his/her everyday-life experiences. This paper contends that the internet is a tool to disseminate information and enhance communication and is beyond being just an alternative means of distributing information and communication as it has the capacity to contribute in the transformation of spatial and temporal organization of life. This well-researched and informative paper details how the internet may be used as a tool to advocate a nation's claim to self-determination. In the case of the Tibetans, the official website of the Tibetan government, that is in exile, aims to foster communion among Tibetans worldwide as well as to lobby their claim for self-determination in a global political realm that they are able to reach via the internet. Another example is the case of the Chiapas rebellion in which the internet was used by the Zapatistas to mobilize support locally in Mexico as well as internationally. This paper also discusses the benefits of this advanced technology in developing countries where a wide gap, called the digital divide, currently exists.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
On Internet On Power Relations
On Virtual Communities and Cybernations
On Sociological Transformation
Synthesis
References
From the Paper "In defining what a virtual community is, Wilbur argues that it is not advisable that the concept of virtual community is fitted into some known social reality. Old concepts should not be used in defining new phenomena. It is fine that a rich concept has many definitions. Every meaning that we ascribe to the concept of virtual community is a construct based on how the concept appeals to us. For Foster, communities found in the Internet are virtual but may not be sufficiently communal. For Slevin believes that virtual communities' and textual cyberspaces' existence depends on real people and real organizations. Cybernations are referred to as "non-territorially-bound communities." According to Hamilakis, although it is believed that the Internet is a medium that transgresses national and other boundaries, hence, defying the ideology of seclusion we call nationalism, the Internet is actually used as a tool to reproduce nationalist discourse."
Tags:communication, technology, computer, internet, developing, countries, political, social, society
