May 21, 2011

  • When Context Shapes Communication

    I was thinking lately about how personalities change depending on where you are interacting with a person. For example, here on Xanga, I try to be very kind and encouraging in my comments. Many of my favorite blogs are vulnerable, honest looks at someone's heart, and thus I tread lightly. Also, I lost a few Xanga friends eons ago due to being too aggressive in my comment style and not realizing it was a very sensitive topic for them.

    On Facebook, I tend to just throw out links and commentary, trying to start debate without showing my own opinion at all. On Twitter, I'm more sarcastic, and tend to have much less of a filter. On other sites, I am more flirtatious, confrontational, inquisitive, you name it. Occasionally friends will note the differences, and I've usually just overlooked it. But I now see that they were right. I am a different person based on what site you talk to me on. And as someone who holds honesty as a high priority and fantastic virtue, not sure how I feel about that. (Coming to a store near you, Greek stars in THE COMPARTMENTALIST, a 10-part series available only via boxed set. Pieces sold separately!)

    I've been intrigued by communication theory off and on since a chance freshman English assignment introduced me to Deborah Tannen. (Please check out some of her books here: http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/tannend/ ). I know all about how background, gender, ethnicity, and power can affect communication. But I didn't realize how much the medium or the location of conversation can shape the type of conversation that takes place.

    So dear reader, now it's your turn. Are you consistent across social networks? Or, like me, do you find yourself changing quite a bit based on the social network you're on?

    Want to know when I write new posts? Add my blog to Google Reader, or sign up to get emails of my posts delivered! http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=GreekphysiquesXanga&loc=en_US
    If you do not have a Xanga account, you can still comment. Just click the "Anonymous" button near the comment box and put in your information.

Comments (16)

  • I think I'm probably the same on facebook and Xanga. but at any time on twitter I can turn into a 13yrold hormonal, teenaged cutter

  • I'm almost completely vulnerable on Xanga. On Facebook I just put stuff I'm sure I wouldn't mind my mom reading. And I can (proudly) say I do not tweet. :g:

  • I have a degree in communication, and I focused on communication theory, so thumbs up for referencing Deborah Tannen. I definitely agree that medium/context are major factors in Internet communication. For myself, I think I'm fairly similar across sites I frequent, but those who interact with me might not agree.

  • I'm fairly consistent overall.  I guess with certain people I may act more joking or whatever if I know they'll be cool with it.

  • I only use Xanga and Facebook.  On Facebook I try to only post positive things unless it's important news.
    Here, my frustration and anxiety come to the fore because it's my only real outlet for that.
    I know that my "voice" and attitude change quite a bit depending on the community to whom I am speaking.

  • Generally consistent, I tend to be who I am in person: friendly, nice and helpful :D  

  • I'm a lot more open and personal on my Xanga than on my Facebook.

  • Make a vlog! Make a vlog! You're like the best looking guy on my world of xanga. These richdaddy spoiled asians got nothing on you. Show them whose the greek!

  • Awww that's sweet, you have the president of the fan club cheering you on. @RulerofMasons - Keep it up, everyone needs a cheerleader now and then.

  • Now for the actual blog itself. I use facebook for family, friends and work. Twitter for friends and work. But Xanga is for me so I put whatever I like on it. As far as I know only a few friends and of course my kids know about my Xanga.

  • My style remains similar but my content varies. 

  • eh, i think i'm pretty much the same on most networking sites...it's just a matter of degree; some places you can say a little more on how you feel about something. I've tried to do the "be one way here, and another way there" and it never really works out for me. I eventually just end up being me. hahaha

  • on my social networking sites i am pretty much the same. but in person i will definitely change to be what i need to be in the situation i'm in. not necessarily in a bad way. for example, i will be much less sarcastic and silly around people who i know won't understand.but maybe that's not so much changing how you are as it is a"acting appropriately" :P

  • Yeah. I have some totally different personality traits that are stronger on different sites... <,<
    I graduated with a BA in Communication with a Digital Media/Photography focus, and this is something we discussed quite a bit. The demographic type things make communicating certain messages difficult, but the medium is huge now. Esp in Ad/Marketing.

  • I am inconsistent. I pretty much only have Facebook because I practically have to, otherwise I would be more bothered to get one than it's worth. I keep my opinions away because where I live anything but the conservative point of view is of the devil.

    I'm much more...open around here. But I'm just as polite on both sites.

  • I believe that this is normal, in most cases. It doesn't mean that a person is not being honest; just considerate. And the general atmosphere does play a role, same way it does in real life. And with that I can say probably yes, but I'm just inconsistent anyhow, haha. Also, I must say that I like the humour displayed in this post. Thank you for sharing.

Comments are closed.

Post a Comment