Thursday, February 7, 2008
McKenna and Bargh
McKenna and Bargh describe how people prefer the internet to other facets of the media due to it's accesibility and "up-to-the minute accurate" information. People are also using the internet as a form of communication, though--which is now it's number one use. The article focuses on what causes people to communicate online, what happens during social interaction, and the consequences of Internet interactions. People communicate online for a variety of reasons. Many want to simply conceal their identity, while some with a certain stigma feel they can share their feelings with others with the same problem (ex. health issues, relationship probems, ect.). People have a need to show their true self, but often feel they cannot do this in person and feel more comfortable online.
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2 comments:
I completely agree with what you have said here. There are multiple reasons for individuals to get online, and I think that we have just hit the tip of this huge iceberg. There has been alot of talk about those with social anxiety and phobias getting online and being able to express themselves. As well as groups that allow individuals to see and feel that they are not the only ones out there. It seems to me there is alot more to this picture than that.
I also agree with your last statement completely, Being online allows you to be your true self if you want to be, which in some cases creates a balance in the individual.
I also wonder how much the researchers' prejudices affect what and who they study. We can only do so much, so we have to make choices. If we think that the itnernet appeals to socially anxious vs. normal people, we're going to study social anxiety and the internet.
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