Technology and Interpersonal Communication

The four assumptions of online presentation are:

1.      The computer screen can deceive

2.      Online discussions often prompt introspection

3.      Online discussions promote self-orientation

4.      Self- Disclosure occurs online

On Facebook, many people perceive others by the information that is shown on someone’s profile. With this being said, not only do friends and acquaintances create their own  opinion about the person they are looking up, but so do business’ who are looking for potential employees. For example, if you have a profile picture of yourself partying and improper spelling or profanity, the person who is looking at your page or looking you up may automatically think that you always party or talk the way you write. (Ex. Abbreviated language or writing literally) This can also lead to job loss. Also, just by looking at someone’s profile may give off the wrong image, when in reality the person may be the complete opposite of what you assumed in the first place. Facebook allows people to think about what they are going to write before posting a comment or sending a message. Another feature that Facebook allows is to delete post that have been commented on others pages and also on your page, whereas face to face conversation nothing can be deleted nor taken back.  This concept applies to the second assumption. This is helpful because it can give people better judgment of what to post or say before anybody else can see. Facebook allows others to friend request, message, or invite people that you do not know. Usually when I receive a friend request from someone I do not know or receive a message from someone I do not recognize, I will usually delete the message or ignore them. I probably would not ignore someone in person if they were to speak to me; however my views about people on the internet vary. By displaying your likes, interest, hometown, school, and friends it will help others either accept or decline you. These are different examples of assumption three. Similar to assumption three, I feel that assumption four is how you “promote” yourself online or want others to see you.  Facebook allows you to put up a variety of different subjects. The common tools people display is their full name, date of birth, hometown, sexual orientation and religious views. Other features are likes, preferred television shows, your email, favorite music, address, and the college you attend. Normally someone will not give out this type of information in person if they do not know someone, however; the internet does have a powerful effect on people’s views. I assume posting information on Facebook or any webpage makes people feel more secure because they are just writing what they want to present to others rather than being asked or obligated to do so.