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Re: Hypotheses » Greg

Posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2000, at 11:27:43

In reply to Re: Hypotheses about Online Text Communication, posted by Greg on October 9, 2000, at 18:40:51

> > [A] 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.

I agree. But maybe they're more willing to express themselves, and be heard, online because they feel safer there?

> > 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.

It protects them if they choose a handle that's different from their name? One that's more generic? Maybe in that case their wanting to protect themselves is itself one aspect of their personality that's reflected -- indirectly -- in their handle.

> > [B] 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.

I agree, the internal voices could be good or bad, so this should go in the "potentially positive or negative" category.

> > 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.

Right, this should also be moved to section D.

> > 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.

I understand what you're saying, but what about "access" in general, given that some information is clear and some is intimidating? Would you say that access to that mix of information tends to be empowering and transformative?

> > [E] 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.

Good point. To simplify things, I left out part of the original hypothesis, which was "due to the traditional cybercultural assumption that one can join or leave, respond or not respond, as one wishes".

> > [F] 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.

Another good point. Maybe the key isn't being online, but in fact how approachable the "expert" is. Thanks for all your comments!

Bob


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