Communication via technology

Communication via technology

Netiquette issues

Netiquette is a form of on-line etiquette that users of on-line
computer communication are expected to conduct themselves. For
positive communication environment to occur, it is essential that
people maintain awareness on how they are communicating online.
This means paying more attention to the way things are said,
especially when feedback is being given.
·  One breach of netiquette occurs when people begin arguing,
accusing, and insulting each other on-line. Referred to as
flaming some situations can unfortunately get quite nasty.
Flaming can often start with a simple misunderstanding in
communication that gets blown out of proportion or when an
individual deliberately insights a problem that results in conflict.
·  Another netiquette issue that is important to be aware of is the
use of upper and lower case text. Generally upper case text is
viewed as shouting as if someone is angry or annoyed.

Communication issues on-line

It is essential for individuals to always be aware that they are
communicating with people not computers. Communicating
through technology is more complex than face-to-face situations
requiring more attention to social interactions. Social problems
often occur because many people when using electronic
communications will expect it to be the same as if they were
communicating face to face.
·  One problem found with text-based computer-mediated
communication is that participants seemed less aware of how
their interactions can affect others on-line. This is described as a
‘decreased awareness of audience’. This makes it important for
individuals to always be aware of how they are communicating
and interacting with others on-line.
·  In other situations learners (users) will believe that the message
they sent is perfectly clear and it will result in an expected
response. However, difficulties arise when users of electronic
communication make incorrect assumptions about what they
believe is being said. This can occur irregardless if the user is
experienced or inexperienced with e-mail or other forms of
computer-medicated-communication.