Friendships through IM: Examining the Relationship between Instant Messenger and Intimacy. Yifeng Hu, Jacqueline Fowler Wood, Vivian Smith, Nalova Westbrook, The Pennsylvania State University.
As the world of technology evolves, communications in face-to-face interactions is being replaced with the use of many cyberspace devices. This article focuses on the relationships that can be formed using the tool of Instant Messenger (IM).
Although Instant Messenger is more popular with the traditional college student than any other sector of society, its use continues to grow in all sectors and cultures in society. The traditional personal relationship theory suggests that communicating through the use of IM would lead to more uncertainty in a relationship because you have a higher degree of uncertainty in how to behave or how your partner may behave. Additionally, theories of relational development specify the importance of the physical appearance, especially in a romantic relationship.
An additional challenge to communicating with Instant Messenger is the lack of non-verbal language. Some challenge that since you can't literally read tome or view facial expressions, the communications can't be as intimate as a face-to face interaction. : ) Contrary to this belief the study demonstrates the opposites through a survey of college students using IM. The study indicates that relationships through IM actually allow for more self disclosure and encourage making a face-to-face meeting more interesting.
Opinion:
Based on the information presented in this article, and the fact I have college kids, I believe that IM is an excellent instrument by which you can maintain long distance communications, as well as develop intimate relationships. Although you lack non-verbal gestures in the conversation : ), once you have established a relationship that you know your party well, you can "read between the lines" while communicating in cyberspace.
http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol10/issue1/hu/html
2 comments:
Hi. You need to include your name at the bottom of your blog post.
Yvonne
I am also guilty of not having my name on the first entry I did, & I still can't figure out how to edit it.
I like your open-mindedness concerning im. Having college aged kids who appear to use & enjoy it is a good example to have had. You did a nice job of tying together the information, and you're right: reading between the lines is a skill worth having!
Diana
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