Human Communication and the Internet
This case study addresses popular way of finding soul mates with the help of Internet.
Margaret and Antonio have been corresponding for more than one year and finally decided to get married. They did not see each other in real life. They only exchanged a couple of photos via Internet since they lived in different countries. Once they have met they felt disappointment because the photos they exchanged were of ten-year remoteness. In the meantime he managed to grow bold and she grew plump. After their actual meeting was over they stopped corresponding. Thus, they planned their joint vacation together and spent one year hoping for happy life in vain.
Discussion
In accordance with Shedletsky, L. and Aitken, J. E. (2004) several aspects of dialectic interpretation can be traced in this case. First, Margaret and Antonio used Internet to meet each other but parted because of imperfection of this type of communication. Possibly, they would never be attracted to each other in real life. This is how a principle of inclusion-seclusion of integration-separation dialectic can be applied in this case. Second, the situation addresses a revealment-concealment aspect of expression-privacy dialectic. Internet offered an excellent opportunity for both of them to reveal what they wanted to be revealed, while concealing the information that could destroy their image. Referring to dialectic of stability-change, they became victims of thirst for adventure and novelty. Real life seemed boring and predictable for them and overseas relationship added romanticism to their routine. At the beginning of their acquaintance Internet stimulated interpersonal communication between Margaret and Antonio but soon it was eliminated because of disappointment they experienced. Obviously, they will reduce or avoid the Internet communication for this reason (Gackenbach, 2007).
Margaret and Antonio were emotionally arose when first exchanged photos because they thought they found their ideal mates. They intensified communication idealizing each other and hoping that their ideal virtual partner will be better than those they previously met in real life. Usually, intensification of communication happens when people idealize the reality. Sometimes one person may intentionally intensify communication in order to achieve his or her goals. In accordance with Griffin (2009) people are prone to intensify communication on the initial stage of relationship. As they were apart from each other, Internet enhanced communication. They strived for changes while life remained they same for them, thus making changes of reality in their imagination.
The lack of nonverbal component is an essential imperfection of the Internet communication as it seriously disturbs an adequate perception of reality. Also, it offers many opportunities for various frauds. Fortunately, Margaret and Antonio had good intentions. At the same time trying to create a family with the help of Internet they incurred serious danger. Internet gives an opportunity for criminals who may easily assess private information, such as home address or mobile phone to trace a victim. As Internet blurs boundaries between reality and fantasy, one can easily loose control over the situation. In this case two people unhurt except for slight shock. Who knows what may happen if one of them had unfair intentions.
Our everyday life defies miracles thus making people idealize virtual world. People transfer reality to virtual world, where they could be anything, seeking for harmony and better destiny. It is essential to remember that Internet is a mean of communication but not a real life substitute.
References
Gackenbach, J. (2007). Psychology and the Internet. (2nd ed.) London: Elsevier, Inc.
Griffin, E. (2009). A first look at communication theory. (7th ed.) Sydney: McGraw-Hill.
Shedletsky, L. & Aitken, J. E. (2004). Human communication on the Internet. (1st ed.) London: Allyn & Bacon.
