Artifact Explanation: Video Clip on Online Communication
Description of the Artifact
The artifact being analyzed is a video clip from a popular documentary that illustrates how people communicate online through various platforms, showcasing both positive and negative interactions. The video features interviews with experts on communication as well as real-life examples of individuals navigating social media, chat rooms, and video calls. It emphasizes the nuances of online communication and how it differs from face-to-face interactions.
Relation to Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)
Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) refers to any human communication that occurs through the use of two or more electronic devices. The video clip directly relates to CMC as it demonstrates how individuals express themselves in digital environments. It highlights key elements of CMC:
- Textual Communication: Many interactions occur through messaging apps and social media posts, which lack nonverbal cues.
- Anonymity: The video discusses how anonymity can impact communication, allowing for more honest discussions but also fostering negativity (like cyberbullying).
- Asynchronicity: It explores how the ability to communicate without immediate response can lead to more thoughtful interactions but may also result in misinterpretations.
Connection to Course Topics
Models of Perception
The video can be linked to the models of perception we have discussed in our course. For instance, the way individuals perceive messages in CMC can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Filters: When communicating online, people often project a curated version of themselves, leading to distorted perceptions that differ from face-to-face communication.
- Attribution: The video illustrates how online interactions can lead to different attributions, where individuals may misinterpret the intentions or emotions behind text due to the absence of nonverbal cues.
Self-Concept
Furthermore, the artifact relates to self-concept as it highlights how individuals curate their online presence through profiles and posts. The ways in which people express themselves online can significantly affect their self-esteem and identity. For example:
- Idealized Self: Many users tend to showcase an idealized version of themselves, which can lead to discrepancies in self-perception and impact their self-concept over time.
- Feedback and Validation: Likes, shares, and comments serve as external validation that can shape an individual’s self-concept.
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
The video provides insight into how both verbal and nonverbal communication play out in the CMC environment. While verbal messages (text, emojis, etc.) are prevalent, nonverbal cues are often missing, leading to potential misunderstandings. The artifact emphasizes:
- Use of Emojis and GIFs: These elements serve as substitutes for nonverbal cues, attempting to convey emotions that may be missed in plain text.
- Textual Tone: The video showcases how tone can be misinterpreted in written communication, affecting the overall message received.
Listening (Feedback in CMC)
Finally, the concept of listening is essential in CMC, as it involves how individuals interpret and respond to messages. The video illustrates:
- Active Listening: The importance of reading messages carefully and considering the context before responding.
- Feedback Loops: The role of immediate feedback in chat or video platforms and how it can foster engagement or lead to communication breakdowns.
Conclusion
In summary, the chosen video clip serves as an effective artifact for exploring the complexities of Computer-Mediated Communication. It enables a deeper understanding of how perception, self-concept, verbal and nonverbal cues, and listening behaviors are transformed in the digital landscape, reflecting the dynamic nature of communication in today’s technologically driven society.
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