Transcript Intrapersonal Communication and the Internet

Chapter 7
Meghan Hussey
Samantha Matthieu
Amanda Pastore
Samantha Peters
Ryan Poland
Intrapersonal Communication
and the Internet
Intrapersonal Communications Model
Intrapersonal
Communication
 Intrapersonal communication is the
act of communicating with or
within the self.
 Verbal or nonverbal stimuli are
taken in, and we then use cognitive
senses (thinking, reflection, or
mental processing) to assess the
stimuli to form a response.
 This action is often not recognizable
to others.
 This “self talk” draws on our past
experiences to address the present.
Intrapersonal Communication
 Verbal or nonverbal stimuli are taken in, and we then
use cognitive senses (thinking, reflection, or mental
processing) to assess the stimuli to form a response.
 “Intrapersonal Communication is defined as the
communication process within an individual. The way
that society communicates in our complex daily lives
may only be understood after we are able to
comprehend that communication utterly relies on our
particular perceptions.”
Brooks, William D., and Phillip Emmert. "Intrapersonal
Communication." (1976). Web.
The Internet
 The “self talk” that we have within
ourselves is put into words on the
internet in places such as blogs,
online journals, personal
websites, etc.
 We can develop many different
types of relationships online that
involve all aspects of life
 Social situations are often
intensified through an online
experience
The Internet gives a sense of
security
 When we are online and developing a relationship,
we are more apt to share our thoughts
 A new form of sharing our thoughts develops due
to the added confidence of not needing to
addressing someone face-to-face
 We develop a new interest in decoding symbols on
the internet and relate those symbols to our
personal experiences and interactions
 The computer helps us reflect more deeply on our
own thoughts, as well as give us easy access to the
thoughts of others
Fundamentals of Inner/Outer
Speech
 Inner Speech is the act of communicating with yourself
internally. This occurs when you use words to sort
information and attach meaning to what is occurring.
 Inner Speech is more abbreviated and rapid than
interpersonal communication.
 Outer Speech is the act of speaking to another person.
 Note: It is always important to consider what the other
person knows and what they do not know.
Communication on the Internet
 Most people use the Internet to communicate with
friends and family. (Watt & White, 1999)
 It is harder to adjust messages through electronic mail
 There is no immediate feedback unless there is
simultaneous conversation (both respondents are
online at the same time)
 Face-to-face conversation is removed and both
participants have to analyze and ponder the messages
 The Internet promotes active learning and the ability
to work cooperatively with people who think
differently from oneself
 In order to understand human communication on the
Internet, we must take into account both the stimuli
produced and sent via computer and the intrapersonal
processes involved in making sense of those stimuli.
(Campbell & Neer, 2001)
Berlo’s Model
image courtesy of http://www.uri.edu/artsci/lsc/Faculty/Carson/508/03Website/Hayden/berlo.html
Berlo’s Model
 The active process of human communication and
interpretation of meaning
 The model accounts for a variety of human variables
that are present in face to face communication
 Shows communication as a continuous and changing
process
Resolving the Inner/Outer Dichotomy
 The Internet is an intensifier of the intrapersonal
aspects of communication (Shedletsky, 1993)
 Cognitive collaboration is the interplay of the inner
and outer (intrapersonal and interpersonal)
Elements of Understanding
 The Human Action Perspective: A way of analyzing
human communication on the Internet based on the
subjectivity of the computer communication
experience (Winch, 1958)
 Emphasizes the importance of comprehending
symbolism and interaction
Collaborating Cognitively
 Mediation: Consideration or negotiation which takes
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place on the internet
Communication: Reaching a common understanding
through interplay.
Cultural Mediational Artifacts: Nonverbal
communication and cultural information that help people
interpret communication
Context: The situation, environment, or situated meaning
Mind: Refers to the cognitive processes of thinking.
Cognitive Collaboration on the Internet
 There is more time to think about the meaning of what we say and
receive (encoding and decoding modes) and more reflective processing
time may intensify intrapersonal communication (Aitken & Shedletsky,
1998)
 Some write as they think on the Internet in a “spontaneous stream of
consciousness” which is similar to face-to-face conversation
 The Internet enhances the information processing aspects of
communication, which enables the assignment of meaning, the use of
implication and inference, and the determination of social action
 Internet mediated communication brings to consciousness
fundamental aspects of communication that are more often
transparent in other modes; turn-taking alternating messages,
juxtaposition of utterances, matching what one person says to the
other) and ambiguity (lack of predictability).
 Standard rules of interaction break down on the Internet, message
coherence is disrupted, overlaps and other breakdowns in turn order
result in failure to stay focused on the topic.
 Research says that these rules are less important than in face to face
communication because of the nature of the interaction and language
play on the internet.
A Source of Identity
 “The internet can shape the
self” (pg. 127)
 “Opportunities on the
internet help individuals
express their marginalized
selves (i.e. homosexual)
through internet groups
based on these specific
identities. This in turn helps
them find greater selfacceptance and selfconfidence.”
Matsuba, Kyle M. "Searching for Self
and Relationships Online."
CyberPsychology and Behavior 9.3
(2006): 1-11.
Presentation of Self on the Internet
 While using a computer an individual is primarily
communication intrapersonally.
 Even posts on a discussion board may never be read and
therefore remain an intrapersonal thought.
 “On the subconscious level individuals use their posts to
give off impressions. Because the user is unaware of who
may be reading the post, the individual wants to create a
favorable impression.”
Walker, Katherine. "“It’s Difficult to Hide It”: The Presentation of
Self on Internet Home Pages." Qualitative Sociology 23.1 (2000):
100-21.
Presentation of Self on the Internet
The presentation of the self on the
internet is a form of
intrapersonal communication.
The individual using the
internet may have a sense of
communicating with others or
collaborating as in a discussion
board, but the response from the
reader may also be
intrapersonally contained.
Walker, Katherine. "“It’s Difficult to Hide
It”: The Presentation of Self on Internet
Home Pages." Qualitative Sociology 23.1
(2000): 100-21.
The Second Self
 “The computer serves as a second self by engaging the
individual in intrapersonal communication and selfexploration available in no other way” (pg. 127)
Example of the Second Self
Compulsive shoppers find their
identity by using their
computers to make
purchases. Slogans such as “I
shop therefore I am” and
“retail therapy” help shoppers
justify their unhealthy
addiction to shopping. This
intrapersonal communication
helps to self-validate bring
confidence to the shopping
addict.
Dittmar, Helga, Karen Long, and Rob
Bond. "WHEN A BETTER SELF IS
ONLY A BUTTON CLICK AWAY."
Journal of Social and Clinical
Psychology 26.3 (2007): 334-61.
Computers + Users= Unique
Vocabulary
 “The similarities between computers and people
arouse a unique vocabulary” (pg. 128)
 “People use computers to understand other people”
(pg. 128)
Example: Using computer jargon in everyday
conversation: “Don’t ask him about the project, he is so
offline”
Goldsborough, Reid. "Computer
Jargon: Time to Learn the
Language." The Online Adviser
Sept. 1999.
“Talking” on the Internet
According to Nofsinger, talking on the internet brings on
its own set of rules:
 Taking turns in conversation
 The order of what is said
 Placement of messages
 Context
 Confusion over meaning
 Silence
 Play on words
Attributing Human Characteristics
to Computers
 Computers have many human features. They can:
 Appear to think and communicate
 Serve as a link to other humans
 Feel like an extension of the self
 Be the basis for strong emotional attachments
Attributing Human Characteristics to Computers
 While the computer today
serves as an extension of the
self, the internet has become
the “other”
 Websites are now so
individualized that people
can interact with them in very
human-like ways. For
example, one can find advice
on problem they are having,
as if seeking guidance from a
friend.
Interactive Communication
 The internet creates cognitive and social interaction
 As humans, we have cognitive limits that create a
tendency within us to avoid difficult thinking
 Internet-mediated communication expands these
cognitive limits
 The internet can serve as guidance to acquiring
information and maintaining relationships
Interactive Communication
 The internet is a human
process of social
interaction which affects
language and symbols
 Unlike other media, the
internet requires the
user to interact with
oneself and others
Interactionism
 Theory of communication that proposes that the process of
social interaction affects and changes language and
symbols
 “The ability to interpret the symbolic gestures of others is
what allows humans to interact.”
 Body gestures, vocal intonations, groans, etc. are all forms of
symbolic communication in face-to-face interactions
 Computer-Mediated Communication breaks away from these
traditional symbols
Bellamy, Al and Cheryl Hanewicz. “Social Psychological
Dimensions of Electronic Communication.” Electronic
Journal of Sociology 4, no. 1 (1999)
Interactionism
•Communication acts as the
essence of society and the
major force of social life
•Many people feel that what
happens online is in a separate
world than what happens in
every day life
Baym, Nancy K. “A Call for Grounding in the Face of Blurred
Boundaries.” Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication
14, no. 3 (2009): 720-723
Cognitive Collaboration
 Through cognitive collaboration, the internet
intensifies an interactionist effect on self-development
 Some people develop into very different people on the
internet, or some elements of an individual become
intensified while communicating on the internet
 The internet can increase a person’s imaginative
interaction with the self
Food for thought
Could the internet completely
reshape the way humans interact
and interpret communication?
Role Playing Identity
 The internet allows people to be more open about
themselves. In CMC, they are more aware of themselves as
opposed to another individual.
 “Group identification on the internet describes how
members’ identification with the group changes for
different wanted identities: Reducing self’s actual identity
helps one to distance themselves from the unfavorable
situation.”
Wang, Zuoming, Joseph Walther, and Jeffrey Hancock. "Social
Identification and Interpersonal Communication in ComputerMediated Communication: What You Do Versus Who You Are in
Virtual Groups." Human Communication Research (2009): 5985. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.
Role Playing Identity cont…
 The internet allows individuals
to be the person they really are
as opposed to the person the
other people see. EXAMPLE:
Someone with disabilities can
develop a relationship with
another that isn’t based on their
disability. Relationships can be
created without judgment being
passed. This is one advantage
internet based communication
has over face-to-face.
Culture
 The internet allows people of
different backgrounds to
share experiences.
 The 9/11 attacks, for example,
saw many culturally different
people die. The internet
allowed people who lost
someone in the attacks to
share their feelings and help
one another through the pain
regardless of culture.
Age and the Internet
 PROS – Children can gain knowledge from the internet and become
experienced in different things. They can play games, learn, and
communicate with others.
 CONS – Internet predators; adults can lure children in by pretending to
be someone they are not (Ex. “To Catch A Predator”)
 “Past research has found a negative impact of Internet use on
psychological well-being of young adults. For example, Kraut et al.
(1998) found that loneliness and depression increased, and family
communication decreased, as Internet usage increased in a sample of
teenagers and adults who used the Internet on average 2 1/2 hours per
week.”
Chen, Yiwei, and Anna Persson. "INTERNET USE AMONGYOUNG ANDOLDER
ADULTS: RELATIONTOPSYCHOLOGICALWELL-BEING." Educational
Gerontology 28 (2002): 731-46. 2002. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.
Age and the Internet
 Senior Citizens can use the internet to keep the mind
active and help with other facets of life that can
become difficult with age.
 “Contrary to the findings of negative impact of
Internet use on psychological well-being of young
adults, an emerging literature on internet use among
older adults suggests positive effects on psychological
well-being.”
Chen, Yiwei, and Anna Persson. "INTERNETUSE AMONGYOUNG
ANDOLDER ADULTS: RELATIONTOPSYCHOLOGICALWELL-BEING."
Educational Gerontology 28 (2002): 731-46. 2002. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.
Age and the Internet
 With technology and the
internet increasing in size
daily, it is important that
older adults become more
aware of it in order to keep up
with today’s world.
 Workshops are available for
older adults not familiar with
computers. Adults can
benefit from learning
computer/internet use.
Gender
 Women use e-mail more than men and have less
stereotypical attitudes about the internet.
 Past research found women to have a more subjective
approach to the internet.
 Women were believed to have little influence on
technology.
 They were never given appropriate credit for
inventions due to needing financial support from men.
Gender
 Today, women have more of
an impact on the internet and
technology.
 Women can just as easily as
men use computers and gain
access to free e-mail, build
websites, and communicate
with others.
 Women find online
communication rewarding,
enjoyable, and empowering.
Gender
 One study found men to
send more messages than
women that were twice as
long as well.
 Men were found to make
more socio-emotional
contributions than women.
 Women, however,
participated more often in
group messaging than did
men.
Notes To End On
 Cognitive collaboration in the interplay of you
intrapersonal and interpersonal communication.
 Interactions on the internet help individuals mentally
in reaching a common meaning with others
References
 Aitken, J., & Shedletsky, L. (2004). Human Communication on
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the Internet. Pearson Education Inc. pg.122-1226
Baym, Nancy K. “A Call for Grounding in the Face of Blurred
Boundaries.” Journal of Computer-Mediated
Communication 14, no. 3 (2009): 720-723
Bellamy, Al and Cheryl Hanewicz. “Social Psychological
Dimensions of Electronic Communication.” Electronic
Journal of Sociology 4, no. 1 (1999)
Berlo, D.(1960). The Process of Communication. New
York:Holt, Rinehart and Winston Inc.
Brooks, William D., and Phillip Emmert. "Intrapersonal
Communication." (1976). Web.
References
 Chen, Yiwei, and Anna Persson. "INTERNET USE AMONGYOUNG
ANDOLDER ADULTS: RELATIONTOPSYCHOLOGICALWELLBEING." Educational Gerontology 28 (2002): 731-46. 2002. Web.
27 Oct. 2009.
 Dittmar, Helga, Karen Long, and Rob Bond. "WHEN A BETTER SELF
IS ONLY A BUTTON CLICK AWAY." Journal of Social and
Clinical Psychology 26.3 (2007): 334-61.
 Goldsborough, Reid. "Computer Jargon: Time to Learn the Language."
The Online Adviser Sept. 1999.
References
 Matsuba, Kyle M. "Searching for Self and Relationships
Online." CyberPsychology and Behavior 9.3 (2006): 1-11.
 Walker, Katherine. "“It’s Difficult to Hide It”: The Presentation of
Self on Internet Home Pages." Qualitative Sociology 23.1
(2000): 100-21.
 Wang, Zuoming, Joseph Walther, and Jeffrey Hancock. "Social
Identification and Interpersonal Communication in
Computer-Mediated Communication: What You Do Versus
Who You Are in Virtual Groups." Human Communication
Research (2009): 59-85. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.