Since the rise of email and other online chat interfaces, communication through the Internet has boomed. Ullman finds herself going to the computer in the middle of the night to find companionship on the web when she is feeling lonely. I too go online to chat with friends when I am bored or feel like conversing. The online chat system, (a great development from the email technology that Ullman was using) allows for one to hold conversations with friends at any time. What I believe is true about them, and I think that Ullman would agree, is that these are the most fulfilling conversations. This is because the person you are speaking too is online for the same reason. Therefore if the conversation begins in the late hours of the night, there are little distractions for both of you, and the conversation fulfills your social needs of the moment.
Despite this similarity, I find that there is a key difference between my relationship practices and those of Ullman. She finds that there is a distinct disconnection between the online person and the real person. This is exemplified by the interaction she has with her coworker during the day as opposed to during the night when she is online. She goes from interacting in a cold business setting, to one where she shares her interests and emotions with the person. I on the other hand continue the conversation that I have with the person if I meet them in person, regardless of the setting of our 'real world' relationship.
Anous, I too am familiar with the late night internet chatting. I think you're spot on when saying that our online correspondent is online for the same reason as us, which does make for a good conversation. In a way, I believe that late night chatting also helps us, as humans, go to sleep better that night. The sole fact of knowing there is someone out there that cares for you, whether a friend, relative, lover, etc., eases our mind and lets us sleep comfortably that night.
ReplyDeleteI think your argument that online conversations with friends are the most fulfilling conversations needs a little more evidence. What makes these conversations more fulfilling than simply talking to a friend one on one? Good evidence and specific examples in your second paragraph. When I meet someone that I recently talked to online, I also usually start the conversation with where we left off.
ReplyDeleteYou say that these online conversations are the most fulfilling kinds, but I have both pros and cons for online conversations. An obvious con is the lack of connection and personal interaction. I believe that in a healthy relationship you need to see each other at least occasionally. Online communication methods can effectively complement personal relationships, but they cannot supplement the person-person interactive aspects.
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