Online Communication Flashcards
Social Isolation
Technology can create elaborate social networks online, but these can unexpectedly lead to social isolation. In some cases, communicating online replaces face-to-face interaction for users, reducing the amount of time they actually spend in the company of other human beings. In addition, these social networks sometimes replace a small number of strong social connections with a larger number of much shallower connections, leading to situations where a user may have large numbers of “friends” but few actual real-world companions. This can lead to depression and feelings of loneliness, and the lack of a support system can make it difficult for users to reach out and find help for these issues.
Elaborate Social isolation Face-to-face interaction Users Company of other human beings Replace Shallow: not deep Companions: people Depression Feeling of loneliness Reach out
Cell phones and mobile devices allow users to stay connected even when away from their computers. While this can be a great benefit, especially in emergencies, it can also be a dangerous distraction. Hundreds of thousands of people suffer injuries every year in accidents involving a distracted driver, and texting and cell phone use are primary sources of distraction behind the wheel.
Cell phone and mobiledevices Allow Users Stay connected Distraction
Technology can also be a distraction at home or in the office, as always-present instant messaging applications and social networks can draw a user’s attention away from more important matters.
Distraction
Draw
Attention
Away from more important matters
Technology has revolutionized the way people communicate, linking humans in a real-time network across the globe. However, technology has also changed communication in many ways, and some of them are not for the better. While some of these negative effects are relatively minor, in some cases they have had profound effects on the lives and well-being of users
Revolutionized
Linking
Across the globe
Profound: deep
