Technology in Everyday Life Chapter 12 Technology in Everyday Life

Examining Technology This chapter focuses on so-called ‘new’ technology (PDAs and the Internet) Even new technology changes rapidly A better term might be ‘relational technologies’ because of their use/purpose

Relational Technologies and Constructing Identity The ‘social meanings’ of technology vary according to different cultural norms/values Cell phone as business vs. means of staying in touch ‘Media generations’ have different responses to technology

Relational Technologies and Constructing Identity Social networks also influence the use of technology These decisions are also personal to some degree ‘Diffusion of Innovations’ theory—some people identify themselves as natural ‘early adopters’ and act accordingly

Online Communication and Constructing Identity Screen names and gaming identities E-mail addresses Online content Personal webpages/blogs Social networking sites

Relational Technologies and Personal Relationships Cell phones Boundaries, degree of closeness Connection and availability Shared experience Social coordination Midcourse adjustment Iterative coordination ‘Softening’ of schedules

Relational Technologies and Personal Relationships Online communication Differs from face-to-face (FTF) communication in its lack of nonverbal cues Use of emoticons to help compensate Asynchronous, not synchronous, communication

Is FTF Communication Better Than Going Online? Your authors point out: Every form of communication has its own unique challenges Quality of online communication depends on how it is used Issues of quality will improve with familiarity and use

Personal Relationships and Social Networks Does being online disconnect us from others? Time displacer or time enhancer? Most people report using the Internet enhances and expands their relationships Core ties and significant ties

The Concept of the ‘Media Equation’ (Reeves & Nass) People tend to treat technology systems very much as they treat other people Politeness Flattery/ingratiation Specialists vs. generalists Personality

Problems With the Concept of the ‘Media Equation’ Reeves and Nass assume people treat technology sources like people because their brains are outdated Based on studies in psychology rather than more complex communication studies