Process of Human Communication on the Internet Process of Human Communication on the Internet Chapter 2 Shedletsky & Aitken Human Communication on the Internet

Some Questions Considered b What happens to our communication because of the Internet? b Why is looking at human communication on the Internet important, or is it? b What do we mean when we say that communication on the Internet is paradoxical? b What is the framework we adopt for looking at communication on the Internet? b How does Communication on the Internet work?

Concepts considered b Metamorphosis b Technological determinism b (Cyber)literacy b The interactive nature of communication

What sort of medium is the Internet? b Mass medium b Interpersonal medium b Personal medium

Information and Communication b Information— an idea of communication represented in linear models of communication; b Communication— an idea of communication represented in transactional models of communication;

Distinctions b The Internet b The WWW

Our focus b Computer-Mediated Communication b Examples, reading , looking at web sites, discussion on electronic groups, reading online journals;

CMC b A human activity; b Interpersonal communication over the Internet; b Much like having a conversation; b Effects and associations; b Context;

Contexts and Media Distinctions b Levels of communication (intrapersonal, interpersonal, mass communication) and media distinctions (such as television and radio) do not make good sense on the Internet; b Simultaneity of levels of communication;

Why study human communication on the Internet? b Open to new understandings; b To maximize performance; b To understand who we are, what we strive for, and how we evolve as communicators;

Communicaton Media b Examining the dimensions of communication that are enhanced or diminished or even hidden by a medium; b Communication on the Internet incorporates: LanguageLanguage writingwriting

Language and Writing b Language: Represents ideas;Represents ideas; –For thinking –For expressing b Writing: Records ideasRecords ideas –To preserve –To transport –To distribute

as a Medium b No need to be present at the same time; b We can edit what we say; b We can take our time in expressing our selves; b We can take our time in thinking about the other’s message to us; b We are not seen nor do we see the other; b Our message is preserved;

as an Interpersonal Device b We can communicate to satisfy our social needs for: PleasurePleasure AffectionAffection InclusionInclusion EscapeEscape RelaxationRelaxation ControlControl

The Internet Intensifies b The Internet Intensifies: Mental aspects of communication;Mental aspects of communication; Speed;Speed; Connection;Connection; Change;Change; Concentration;Concentration; Play;Play; Interactivity;Interactivity;

Models of Communication b A transmission model; b A transactional model; b An intrapersonal model;

Which model best helps you understand this event:

Information source Transmitter ReceiverDestination Noise Source Shannon and Weaver’s Model of Communication Message Signal Received Signal Message Note that this is a linear model