Posted by Greg on October 9, 2000, at 18:40:51
In reply to Hypotheses about Online Text Communication, posted by Dr. Bob on October 5, 2000, at 10:09:11
> Hi, everyone,
>
> I belong to a group of therapists who are discussing the use of the Internet with patients. Some "working hypotheses" have been developed, and we'd like to know what you think about them. The originals are at:
>
> http://www.rider.edu/users/suler/psycyber/workinghyp.html
>
> I've selected, adapted, and regrouped them with Psycho-Babble specifically in mind. The numbers in parentheses refer to the original hypotheses. Any comments? Thanks!
>
> Bob
>
> --------------------------------
>
> Hypotheses about Online Text Communication
>
> A. Characteristics of online text communication
>
> 1. A person with a history of chaotic relationships, physical trauma, or strong feelings of shame or guilt tends to experience online text communication as safe. (1.3, 1.4, 2.4)I don't believe that is necessarily true. A lot of people with this type of history communicate via the net because they want to be heard, not because it's safe.
>
> 2. A person's writing style reflects aspects of their personality, and changes in it reflect changes in their thoughts and feelings. (6.1)I think that's very true. I see that in myself.
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> 3. The "handle" a person chooses reflects aspects of their personality. (6.4)Partially, but I think it also represents a need to protect themselves from others getting too close.
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> 4. If a person has a web site, it reflects aspects of their personality. Having others visit it and visiting those of others is emotionally significant. (7.6)Absoulutely true.
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> B. Positive aspects
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> 1. The act of writing fosters self-expression, self-reflection, and cognitive restructuring. (1.2)Writing is the purest form of expression and self-recognition.
>
> 2. Online text communication that does not take place in "real time" enhances impulse control, self-reflection, and cognitive assimilation. (4.1)For some perhaps, for others like me (especially during manic episodes) it gives you the opportunity to speak what's on your mind without fear of immediate recrimination. I often go back and read my own posts and wonder "Did I really write that?"
>
> 3. Receiving online text communications from others can promote the development of steady, supportive, reality-testing, ego-building "internal voices". (1.7, 4.4)Depends on whether the communication is positive or negative. Positive feedback can breed positive self reinforcement. Negative feedback...well, you get the point. Perception is everything.
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> 4. The opportunity to send online text communications to others, even before --- or without -- any replies, can help a person feel the others are available. (4.3)Only if the person replies. If you post to a specific person, and that person doesn't reply, how can that possibly make you feel as though they are available?
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> 5. A person can use online text communication as a way to explore and experiment with new behaviors or different aspects of their identity. What they learn or rehearse online can be carried into their offline life. (7.2, 7.3)Interacting with someone via the net and talking to that person f2f, are two completely separate animals. I can hone my communication skills on the net, but that doesn't mean I will be successful using those skills in real life.
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> 6. Online text communication can desensitize a person to social interaction and build social skills. (7.4, 7.5)I imagine it can and does. But I've also seen negative social interaction force people into hiding. Once again, it depends on the type of interaction, positive or negative.
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> 7. Access to online information tends to be empowering and transformative. (7.10)If the info is clear, concise and understandable, then I agree with this statement. If the info is masked in "Doctor Speak", then it can be very intimidating.
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> C. Negative aspects
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> 1. Online text communication is more subject to "simple" misunderstandings and conscious and unconscious distortions of meaning or intent. (2.1)Depends on what is being said and how important the subject matter is to the person reading it. There is no black and white here. A lot of subtle shades of grey though...
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> D. Potentially positive or negative aspects
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> 1. With online text communication, a person can be less inhibited and -- deliberately or not -- more open about aspects of themselves, including their "true self". (2.2, 6.2, 7.1)I think once you get to know your "audience" this is very true. For most people it's a matter of trust. I discuss things about myself at my own website and one other that I frequent that I would never consider discussing here. Why? Trust, pure and simple. I have come to know, love and trust those people, and the door swings both ways.
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> 2. With online text communication, a person can be less inhibited and -- deliberately or not -- more likely to act out. (2.2)I suppose this is true.
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> 3. With online text communication, a person can be -- deliberately or not -- more guarded about aspects of themselves, including their "true self". (6.3, 8.4)Once again, I think this depends on how well you know the people you're talking to.
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> 4. Ambivalence about intimacy can be expressed as a preference for online text communication and its blend of openness and distance. (2.3)True.
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> 5. Saved text can reduce errors in recall -- or be taken out of context, distorting its meaning. (3.2, 3.3)If you are talking about quoting sentences out of a poster's paragraphs for the purpose of responding, I think it is rediculous and irritating. If you are talking about posting your reply above or below the original message, I do that all the time. It allows me to refer to the original so I can make sure I've answered any questions asked of me.
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> 6. With online text communication, others try to help more quickly by giving advice or problem-solving. (11.2)I think that depends on subject matter. Sometimes you have advice or info, sometimes you can only let a person know that they are in your thoughts and that you are wishing them good luck. Sometimes you are best served just to keep your mouth shut. I guess as a generic statement, this is mostly true.
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> E. Online support groups
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> 1. Online support groups benefit from having rules about appropriate behavior, effective enforcement of those rules, and knowledgeable and confident leaders. (10.1)Absolutely! A successful support group must have one golden rule, respect. And as painful as it may be, someone has to enforce the guidelines.
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> 2. Online support groups tend to be less cohesive. (10.3)Depends on the closeness of the group. People who have been together for a long time tend to be very cohesive, perhaps because you get to know each other's moods and personalities. A site where there are a lot of new people coming and going, such as Babble, may not be as cohesive simply because you don't know everyone as well. It's again a trust issue.
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> 3. In online support groups, a person can explore and experiment with different "identities" at the same time. (10.7)For some that's very true. But those are generally people who like to play games.
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> F. Therapy
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> 1. Differences in status are less apparent in online text communication. Clinicians tend to be perceived less as authorities and more as consultants or even "twins". (11.4)I don't know about this one. We have experts here, some who are approachable on a personal level and others who aren't. It depends on how I can talk to them in how I perceive them.
Greg
poster:Greg
thread:844
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/900.html