crystal ball

I think that the internet is so versatile and multi dimensional that its uses and functions will change and continue to change exponentially. I think that all of the theories and phenomenons that we reviewed in class will still be important with the changing virtual world, but some may be built upon, and considered old, outdated counterparts to their future extensions. As we have already recognized the CFO model of communication as dated, and have more or less replaced it with varying other theories addressing impression formation via CMC, including the Hyperpersonal model and O'Sullivan's Impression Management model, i predict that will happen to a number of other theories as the internet evolves in its multiplicity of functions. CFO's assumptions that the internet fosters cold, neutral impressions because of the lack of nonverbal cues, was thought to be accurate at the time, until future research was done, and explanations for a possible initial neutral impression were formed. In terms of which theories in particular stand to be foundations for future more updated theories, the dimensions of Social Support may expand, as the internet becomes even more prevalant in society, therefore increasing the likelihood that people will look to the internet for an array of support. Braithwaite uses information, tangible assistance, esteem support, network support and emotional support to currently code degrees of social support, however future experiments conducting concerning social support may include a filter question specifying whether or not the targeted support forum does indeed supply social support at all. This would eliminate an abundance of support groups overly coded for information.

As the internet grows and expands, it is likely that people will predominantly use their computer for all multi-media. This happens today, as computers offer: music, information, television and film, however people still mainly use their television for watching tv and movies, and an ipod or separate music player for listening to music. It is my prediction that the internet will become the most common go-to place for any individual searching for a multi-media need. Screens can be marketed as bigger with a better quality picture, and the internet can be a TV, a radio and a computer all in one, eliminating the need to even have the original mediums. If this were to be the case, i would imagine that future research would need to be done on the effect of watching tv and movies on your computer vs. watching them on the tv. The ability to watch television on your computer also enables you to multi-task while watching your favorite shows. Writing a paper, chatting online, and watching Grey's Anatomy could all be done at the same time. There would have to be ramifications of that ability on the individual, and research would have to be done to describe that.

245 satisfied such a broad array of internet-related information, i hesitate to think of suggestions for more material, because i wouldnt want any existing material to be replaced. Possibly as an addition to digital deception and detection, internet crime could be expanded on. With the internet being used more frequently for so many things, it might be interesting to learn about various relevant internet crimes.