While "Texting insincerely: The role of the period in text messaging" isn't the first time I've encountered conflicting interpretations when texting a period, it is the first time I've encountered research on the topic. When I first heard of negative associations with periods in text messages, it seemed the period indicated anger or annoyance. The research paper asked about "sincerity," and in the conclusion states that periods translate differently depending on context. But why do periods fall into negative perceptions? The research didn't address why people felt periods indicated insincerity. I don't understand that either. Looking over the images of texts given to the research participants, I didn't feel the period mattered one way or another. The article's conclusion does indicate a need for research into communication understanding by receivers.
"Although they provide insights into the sender's intentions, they do not allow for the examination of the receivers' understanding of CMC. Well-controlled empirical studies are an important complement to the current body of literature, especially when addressing questions of comprehension."
Why is the period bad? What does all the graphic jargon mean to the recipient? Are the definitions as universal as people think? For example, late last year I received a text that was simply, "<3". I had to ask what it meant. Turns out that's supposed to be a heart, but that's not how it looks to me.
I find the placement of the article about friendship and depression within a block of readings over CMC interesting. Although not explicitly stated, the article indicates in-person interactions as better when helping depressed friends. So what happens if the depressed individual finds phone use rude, but the friends don't? Or, did the study find CMC friends groups more/less/equal in effectiveness to in person groups? At least depression isn't communicable.
I find it rude when people fixate on their phones during social interactions. To clarify, I don't mind people taking pictures and video or even looking up a quick fact. It's rude when people disengage with their phone, especially when dating. I use phone use during a date as a gauge to whether or not there'll be a second date. One friend of mine used to end the date immediately if the girl spent lots of time on her phone. The Pew article surprised me by showing women found phone use more bothersome than men. In my personal experience, it's women that always have their phone in hand, and it's always the guys that complain about it.
I think another study should look into how much phone use harms social interactions. Pew said 75% of people claimed it had little to no impact. I find that number dubious. First, it's self reported and people typically try to justify their own behaviors. Second, personal experience says otherwise. Many times when I'm at a social gathering and someone is glued to the phone, I'll test their attention by saying random, absurd or offensive things to test their attention. Often they don't react or utter inappropriate responses like "uh-huh" or "yeah." Sometimes I'll get a "what?" but still have to repeat myself.
I don't think social disengagement through technology is a new phenomenon. TV allowed families to stop talking during dinner decades ago. Giant headphones on public transit signal "don't talk to me." Before any of those, people hid behind newspapers and large books. Smartphones just make it easier and more convenient to disengage than those other methods.
The photo essay by Babycakes Romero is awesome. Love it! First, the photographer has one of the coolest names I've heard in awhile. Second, the pictures are very telling. These are scenes we all view on a daily basis, those of us not engrossed with our phones anyway. I also enjoy that people appear in the backgrounds not using smartphones and still interacting with others.
There's the couple on the left sharing some quality time. The guy on the right is looking at something, but not a phone. The woman in the center obviously fears no interaction. I'd like to talk to her and I wonder if Romero did. Did Romero chat with any of the subjects? I'm curious because a camera is also a technological barrier to social interaction. If the photographic series' intent is documenting the death of conversation, is the photographer participating in the death through the use of the camera?
One thing the readings didn't cover is using smartphones in inappropriate locations, like in class or most especially in movie theaters. What is the research into how smartphone use affects others not using the smartphone? Is there research into if smartphone users care how they affect others? The following link is a commercial by The Alamo Drafthouse replaying a voicemail complaint from a customer kicked out for texting.
Kudos to them.
No comments:
Post a Comment