From my perception, I would contend that every form of technological development, including the modern social network, has good and bad elements. I would suggest that it is the users’ range of choices that causes a social network to become a positive enhancement to communication or a degrading element to society.
MXit, the Mobile based instant message service is a perfect point of reference in discussing whether communication is aided or harmed by technology. The suggestion I would like to emphasise is that its effects can be both positive and negative and that the outcome is entirely in the hands of the user.
On the positive side MXit and other technologically advanced social networks simply provide a quick, cheap and efficient form of communication to be used when needed. MXit’s mobility makes it a service that may be used anywhere and anyhow, as long as the user has his/her mobile phone and an active GPRS connection.
This mobility, however, can result in a negative outcome, when used incorrectly. There are not many more aggravating things than talking to a person who at the same time is involved in another conversation with his/her mobile phone. It is quite possible to have a serious conversation with someone while they may simultaneously be exchanging illicit thoughts or discussing what an idiot they think you are with one of their MXit contacts.
Now talking to someone while having a completely different conversation may be perceived as an incredibly good skill – I would suggest that it is blatantly rude and just another form of escapism from personal interaction. It is also likely that Mxit allows people to avoid personal interaction and develop de-humanized relationships with people.
The line between positive and negative is very narrow in terms of these types of social networks. It seems, however, that it is very easy to make the decision of where and when to use such a service. It is in fact simply up to the user whether these networks are an aid to society or simply another aspect of our lives that removes all form of healthy interaction and discussion.
Mike Smith
MXit, the Mobile based instant message service is a perfect point of reference in discussing whether communication is aided or harmed by technology. The suggestion I would like to emphasise is that its effects can be both positive and negative and that the outcome is entirely in the hands of the user.
On the positive side MXit and other technologically advanced social networks simply provide a quick, cheap and efficient form of communication to be used when needed. MXit’s mobility makes it a service that may be used anywhere and anyhow, as long as the user has his/her mobile phone and an active GPRS connection.
This mobility, however, can result in a negative outcome, when used incorrectly. There are not many more aggravating things than talking to a person who at the same time is involved in another conversation with his/her mobile phone. It is quite possible to have a serious conversation with someone while they may simultaneously be exchanging illicit thoughts or discussing what an idiot they think you are with one of their MXit contacts.
Now talking to someone while having a completely different conversation may be perceived as an incredibly good skill – I would suggest that it is blatantly rude and just another form of escapism from personal interaction. It is also likely that Mxit allows people to avoid personal interaction and develop de-humanized relationships with people.
The line between positive and negative is very narrow in terms of these types of social networks. It seems, however, that it is very easy to make the decision of where and when to use such a service. It is in fact simply up to the user whether these networks are an aid to society or simply another aspect of our lives that removes all form of healthy interaction and discussion.
Mike Smith
11 comments:
Hello. What is the meaning of life?
Wrong site, sorry, thought this was freepsychics.com. Was on Mxit and not paying attention.
<3
Social networking has both increased our ability to communicate, but in the same hand dealt us cards which leave us communicating in a far less personal way. It has distanced us from the very purpose of communication. Which I believe is a point of interaction and relationship between the two parties in the communication process. The new technology that we have have gives us choices in howe we use it. for instance mxit is can be used as an great tool for cheap and quick communication yet it can also waste time and form irrelavent relationships
Enjoyed your blog Peace
I am a frequent MXit user however I do believe in the appropriate use of it. I do not make it a habbit to use MXit in the company of others and I become highly annoyed when people do this - the same applies to smsing. It therefore can have negative effects to the social situation at hand but may be building social points with the person being spoken to on MXit.
However I also feel MXit can be used as any easy way out of a situation. It is an easy way to communicate with people. And situations can lose their importance when discussed on MXit as the communicators are not face to face, this can create misunderstandings and dumb a situation down. Who can react in the correct manner to a message written in "sms language"? For example - u mk me supa x! (insert angry red face)
WHAT on EARTH?
There is a time and place to use MXit, and yes, it can be used positively. For example, when discussing trivial matters and keeping in touch with friends far away. Otherwise I think it is just an inadequate method of communication, however inexpensive.
for a lot of people mxit can be means of an escape be it while taking a break from studying or just simply trying to avoid people.but one thing for sure is that mxiting while in a conversation is just inappropriate and tends to send off a rather negative message about you to those around you.mxit and other social networking devices are fairly harmless the only problem is people. people all too often fail to be able to draw the line between what is appropriate and what is not. i agree with faye mxit and others are totally harmless and most importantly fit the budget of every student.
Ntokozo M
It's been said... our relationships through digital communication are nothing but existing in a vacuum of no personal interactivity and social experience. As much as we can say, and rightly so, that mxit and the likes have revolusionised the way we communicate, but to what good if we are constantly distracted because of sleepless nights typing conversations that not so much impact our lives or add value to it. Yes to digital media communication, but always for the right reasons like letting your friends know when you're meeting at Mugg and Bean for a bottomless coffee and to share a muffin!
I often wonder how many romantic relationships have developed through digital media. I think it is an unhealthy place to start a romantic attachment. Messages are mis-read and overanalysed, and both men and women become rather bold from behind their cellphones or somputer screens, asking questions they would never dare in real life! so I agree that instant digital communication is better off left for trivial chit chat and organising.
My sister loves mXit and is forever trying to get me to sign on so that I can talk to her. Personally, if I have anything to say to her I do not have the time to type it to her with those tiny cell phone keys. I am qite happy to pay for a phone call that will take less time and it is easier to reply and discuss something. Even chatting about trivial matters takes a major effort with MXit and that is the reason people invented telephones in the first place... I have also heard stories (unconfirmed) about people getting RSI in their hands and fingers, that is very difficult to reverse, from all that cramped typing.
I sound like I have a personal vendetta against MXit, and maybe I do, but I think that a proper conversation tell so much more about who you are and what you are trying to say.
There's definately two sides two every coin hey... When it first came out everyone found mix to be the greatest thing since sliced bread but alas there are flaws. One can indeed be extremely lazy when trying to get to know someone and then get the wrong image of how they really are. I guess using mix is cool when chatting to friends out of town or even with your neighbour. It's a bit of fun to pass the time but there are limits, like everything in life. So one needs to be careful how to use this technology because in some ways it's wonderful but in others not...
Well written Mikey.. I agree that the line between the positive and negatives aspects is very thin. Although mxit was originally designed to be quick and efficient, it is now so popular the the actual application has flaws.. therefore a SMS is now propbably quicker..
The whole question of false identities is now asked. Is this person really who they say they are? When they send me a smiley face and say they are happy.. are they in actual fact happy and smiling? Face-to-face communicating is still the purest way to communicate but virtual communication is a good substitute for the time being.. especially when communicating with someone on the other side of the world.
With the success of such applications being in the hands of the user, it is up to them on how well the technology will be used and how convenient it will be.. Computer ethics maybe?
I definately agree that social networks have both their pros and their cons. At times, one side tends to overshadow the other and vice versa. While we are unable to control the way society at large utlize social networks, it is important that we should be aware as users that there are limits that we shouldn't cross-social networking shouldn't become an indespensible habit. Fair enough it has its perks but too much of something is never healthy...
Interesting post
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