The idea of communication competence online is something that has never really been necessary before our generation. But with the amount of interaction that happens online, it’s important that people know how to aptly communicate online. Not only does online communication competence have to do with the content of a message and the means of sending that message (text, e-mail, Facebook, etc) but the dangers of sending aggressive messages online that would not be said face-to-face.
The part of this chapter that had to do with online confrontations really resonated with me for several reasons. Like I’m sure most girls, and many boys, have experienced at one time or another, I have dealt with getting into arguments over the Internet. Whether you’re the aggressor or the victim, these confrontations can be difficult for anyone to handle. I remember many times in middle school and even a little bit in high school these types of confrontations happening between my friends and I and how upset I would become over them. My sister, being six years older than me, would always say how happy she was that AIM and other means of chatting didn’t exist when she was at that age. And honestly, I don’t blame her.
This type of interaction begins with online disinhibition. According to the text, online disinhibition is when “people share information more openly and directly during online interactions…”(McCornack, 2009, p. 264). Online disinhibition then gives way to flaming, meaning, sending messages that are more intense than those you would ever say face to face. Because they are online, a person is more willing to say and react to the message. The text also states that “insulting words traded online are more readily perceived as personal attacks than the same words exchanged face-to-face” (McCornack, 2009, p. 264). Because of the sense of invisibility a person has online, they feel more comfortable throwing insults at a person or personally attacking them at a deeper level than they would if the confrontation had been in person.
Have you ever felt like you were being attacked online in a way that wouldn’t have happened in person?
Although we are no longer in middle school, the urge to get into fights online can certainly still be there. Clearly, this is not an isolated issue as shown by the rise in suicides of young adults over the past year heavily portrayed in the media. Since social media and online interaction is only becoming more prevalent, it’s important that a dialogue regarding online communication competence be started so that everyone can feel safe on the Internet.
Reference:
McCornack, S. (2009). Reflect and relate. New York, New York : Bedford/St. Martins
