Ice Breaker

How does one identity compare to other identities you have in other relationships? Also, focus some on the Computer Mediated Communication area of the text. I want you to look at how you form relationships in face-to-face interactions, and compare that to how you form relationships on the internet. Which is easier? Why

Everyone has a need to communicate with others. The need to be in contact with other humans is a basic, primal need. However, most people have different identities with the different groups of people they communicate with.

While I feel that I am the same person, I know that I interact differently with various groups of people. I feel that I am a highly self monitoring individual. In my opinion, this is not being fake or putting on airs. It is simply taking inventory of the group I am with and acting accordingly. The way I act with my friends, who are all in their 30's, is greatly different than the way I interact with my co-workers, whom are all mostly in their early-20's. The way I speak with my grandparents is vastly different than the way I speak to my son.

In this age of Facebook, Twitter, and various message boards for all kinds different things the age of CMC is very relevant. I joined a parenting message board when I was pregnant with my son a little over 6 years ago. I am still in contact with some of the women I met then, and I consider them very close friends.

In my opinion, it is easier to connect with other people online, because you can portray what you want to others. The fact that you can take time to ask questions or answer questions is also a plus. It is also a medium where you can usually interact with someone anytime of day or night

However, you really never know who is on the other side of the computer. On the message board that I visit there has been cases of women totally faking everything for the attention. Others have faked illness and even deaths in order to get some kind of attention.

With one on one interaction with others, it is easier to figure out a person. You can see them, their expressions and other non-verbal cues. However you do not have the "filter" of the keyboard.

I think it is a good thing to make friendships both face to face and via CMC. Without computer mediated communication, I wouldn't know about a friend who lives in Australia, North Carolina or even one who lives in California. However, it is good to "unplug", get out and have some good, old-fashioned face to face conversation.