CMC Blog

We all know that there has been a steep rise in online communication since the advent of social media. What interests me is the relationship between online communication and that of face-to-face. The concept of disinhibition states that people communicating online are far more likely to open up and share information they would not otherwise in a face-to-face communication. The anonymity associated with online communication gives participants a certain freedom that allows them to share more readily. Commonly, people feel less judgment and more freedom when the communication channel is leaner. The whole situation is rather ironic to me because computer mediated communication last indefinitely, whereas, face-to-face communication does not. Things said online can be retrieved years, even decades later. Everything from status updates on Facebook, tweets, Yik Yak’s, and instagrams can all be retrieved even after deletion. Once committed to the Internet, all of this information is irreversible and can be grounds for disciplinary action in the workplace. Sadly, all it takes is a single picture to ruin a career. Despite the risks, our social identities have become part of the modern-day friendship.

Gone are the days of pen pals and hand written letters. Today, most people use computer mediated communication to stay in touch with friends despite distance and busy lives. The traditional view of friendship describes a fragile bond between people living within close proximity. Growing up, I was friends with the boys and girls on my street, not because I chose them, but rather because they were close geographically. We rode the bus together in the morning, had classes together at the same school, and even played kickball and other games after doing our homework. When someone moved away, that bond was chicken and more commonly than not dissolved since we were no longer geographically convenient. However, in the modern age the contemporary view of friendship is far more durable. With the advent of computer-mediated communication, friendships can withstand thousands of miles, time zones, and other challenges related to distance.  We have tools such as Facebook and Instagram to share pictures and tools such as Twitter to shared text. In the ever-shrinking world we live in, there is no excuse to fall out of communication with someone.

Studies have shown there are several maintenance strategies that can be employed to effectively maintain online friendships, such as positivity, self-disclosure, providing support, and spending time together. In my opinion, the most important is self-disclosure. As in any relationship communication is vital. As long as there is constant or even semi-constant communication between partners the relationship will maintain strength. Keeping in touch, and having that partner to both provide support and receive support from his vital. Similarly to face-to-face relationships, the power of positivity cannot be understated. The fourth and final aspect of maintaining online relationship is based on spending time together. However if the aforementioned aspects are done regularly, the fourth requirement will already be satisfied.

Despite living in a modern world filled with computer mediated communication, there is not and never will be a substitute for spending quality time face-to-face with a communication partner. Friendships are a difficult thing that needs to be constantly maintained and worked on. They should not be taken lightly nor abused. Good friends are hard to come by.