Bonus Assignment - The Crystal Ball

"Technology is neither good nor bad, nor even neutral. Technology is one part of the complex of relationships that people form with each other and the world around them; it simply cannot be understood outside of that concept." Samuel Collins

I would agree with this quotation. There is no need to debate whether the internet is a good or bad force. Our generation can’t live without it. It is simply an integrated part of our daily lives and shapes our world. But how will our online interactions change, if at all? I think it’s safe to say some phenomena are permanent. Internet addiction is here to stay and will probably worsen. Studies show that between 5-10% of internet users will become addicted. With more people becoming users everyday, this means we will see more problematic internet use. Another issue I see becoming more profound is the Proteus effect. As we begin to represent ourselves more online (games, virtual classes, online work, forums, blogs) and avatars become more prevalent, it seems inevitable that these virtual versions of ourselves will influence our offline selves. In fact, as we interact more online and less in real life, I’d argue that eventually our online personalities will shape our offline personalities more than the traditional other way around.

Theories such as hyperpersonal, impression management, and media richness theory will remain the same. The aspects of the internet that make these theories true will not change. The internet has fewer cues than the real world, making it a leaner medium used for ambiguous tasks. Even if we are able to sense more cues in CMC through improved visual or audio technology, CMC will never be as rich as face to face interaction. Depending on the locus and valence of the situation, people will choose the medium that suits their needs since CMC and FTF will maintain their opposite qualities. This also means the social distance theory will last and people will continue to choose to lie online, rather than in person. As long as there are fewer cues in CMC, the hyperpersonal model will also be true. People have no choice but to overattribute what they know, use selective self-presentation, and act accordingly to behavioral confirmation. These are psychological responses that are human nature in any situation with limited cues.

I think visual anonymity will become less prevalent online as new technologies emerge. It is a lasting trend to see the people with whom you interact with online: updates pictures, camera phones, video blogs, streaming webcams, etc. Visual identity will become more important as we use the internet for more purposes, as it alleviates deception and distrust issues. This is important as the internet becomes the main venue for romance, business, social support, social networking, and other relationships. It will also lower barriers to communication and impression formation. We will sacrifice some privacy for greater security and other benefits, proving the Leviathan will live on.

I think it would be interesting to discuss how the internet is playing an increasing role in business communications. From video conferencing to virtual work spaces to instant messaging, computer mediated communication is changing the way people work by making information exchange easier and faster. It is not even necessary for us to be on-site anymore giving those who take advantage of the internet great flexibility. However, the internet is also a deterrent to workflow, causing companies to start monitoring employee usage. Also, what information there is about you online is now a factor in your job search. These would all be interesting topics to cover as all of us will need to deal with CMC in our future careers.

Another topic I think is interesting is bridging the digital divide: how technology is helping third world countries improve socio-economic conditions. As the chart below illustrates, there is a striking gap in computer/internet access across the modernized and un-modernized regions. However, government and corporate initiatives are bridging this divide, bringing our world closer and closer together. Organizations such as bridges.org are teaching people how to use the internet and maximize its potential at a grassroots level. What impacts will this have on poor nations? How will this increased access to knowledge and resources change world economics, education, communication, and politics.

South Korea is a great example of how much the internet can shape a country. 80% of households have fast internet connections (over 20mbps) and all offices and apartment buildings have fiber connections. Fast internet is increasingly easy to obtain and economical to maintain; one may wonder if the world will soon become completely broadband connected. America prides itself on often being the pack leader, but we are behind in modernizing our country’s technological infrastructure.

Lastly, I would have liked to learn about career options and research opportunities for those of us interested in social computing, information systems, etc. I’m glad to have taken this class—I feel like I understand my world a little better in terms of how social computing affects my everyday life.