Social - More or Less?

• It All Depends by Doug W., 4/22/98
  • re: depends by John Suler, 4/24/98
    
    

It is very intriguing to consider the internet a "SOCIAL" environment. I think, whether one likes it or not, the internet is changing our previous definitions of what it means to be "social". As it's been said before, 80% of all face to face, real-time communication is non-verbal. In this aspect being social is 80% dependent on receiving/percieving face to face, real-time communication. It is easy to see the voluminous degree of communication that is occuring on the internet. From email, to bulletin boards, to chat rooms, to even the newer advents of Palace Rooms and virtual chat rooms; the level of sophistication toward replicating face to face, real-time communication is advancing quickly. (I'm certain that video camera enhanced communication will be a relative standard within 5+ years) But the intriguing question here is, to what degree do we consider non-face to face, real-time communication as "social" communication? I know that when I 'chat' with others I feel a sense of connection, as if I am communicating to another real person. I gain some of their knowledge, some information about their experiences; I gain a small slice of whom they are. Though, I also know that I'm missing out on the inflections in their voice, and I miss out on their "body language". Some of my senses are left out in the cold of cyberspace. Now, even with these elements missing do I consider this to be "social". Well, more or less. Though I'm facinated with this toy, this tool, this media form we call the Internet, I have a hard time considering it a place to be truly social. I know that highly sophisticated communication occurs. I enjoy the fact that I gain greater knowledge of those in my world, particularly because I can communicate with them so immediately, so unhindered, so freely. But...even if I was communicating via video-phone I would be missing something. And it is this "something" that prevents me from considering the internet as a truly social environment. But, as I pointed out in the beginning. I think we will have to take a close look at what we define the word "social" to be - in relation to the internet. What I imagine is that we will arrive at a newer, more technologically correct, more broadly considered definition of the word - SOCIAL - more or less. Lastly, I enjoy writing on this topic, it's fascinating! It's wonderful to think that other people around the world might be reading this. I'm awe-struck by the 'global reach' this communication's tool posesses. And that is why, the first thing I would do, if this were posted, would be to print it up, take it with me, share it with my friends, watch them read it, look at the expression on their faces, and talk... We would socialize.

• re: social - more or less by D. Adv., 5/1/98