Considering that human communication is not simply translating words into meaning, it is important to utilize tactics that help convey our emotions when online. In face-to-face conversation, it is often taken for granted that much is understood by the way something is said. Due to the lack of nonverbal cues online coupled with the tendency to overestimate our ability to convey emotions via the Internet, miscommunication is a common outcome (Kruger, Epley, Parker, & Ng, 2005). Similarly, studies have shown that individuals use an emotion tactic as an aid largely in situations online where they do not feel the emotion is obvious. Given that we misjudge our ability to convey emotions, tactics may not be used as often as needed. Refraining from using techniques may also be a result of the assumption that it is not possible to express emotions online. This leads to a lack of emotion tactics and results in the confirmation of that belief (Utz, 2000). Furthermore, realizing the necessity of emotions in conversations and compensating for the nonverbal cues with emoticons, avatars, or social verbs, a better understanding will exist between the two individuals. Simalarly, the probability of miscommunications will greatly decrease.
In all social interactions there exist rules that govern a person’s action. These unwritten rules direct individuals toward acting appropriately in various social situations. Without such guidelines, a normal swap of information could be a disaster! If people decide to dismiss these social responsibilities, they may be looked down upon or ostracized from a group. Etiquette is another word for such governing rules. It is defined as, “the practices and forms prescribed by social convention or by authority” (Pickett, 2000). Straying away from the rules of etiquette may lead to frustration and the miscommunication of messages to people. Because of the flourishing popularity of CMC communication it is only necessary that rules are made for the internet. In response to this idea came the creation of “Netiquette”. Network + Etiquette = Netiquette (pretty clever right?). This provides the rules that govern cyberspace. Virgina Shea (1997), author of the book Netiquette, states that cyberspace has its own culture. Just like when a person travels from culture to culture different sets of norms must be followed. The Netiquette site offers a complete in depth guide to being a respectable member of an online community. Not only does it give advice on how to prevent miscommunication, but it includes various topics. These topics include, proper e-mail construction, CMC as a substitute for face to face interactions, and the importance of remembering that you are dealing with humans! Visit the site for more information and become a better cyber community member. More Information
Stereotyping does not only occur in “real-life," it can occur over the internet. Stereotype threats are a real issue today. Stereotype threats refer to being at risk of confirming, as self-characteristic, a negative stereotype about one's group (Steele & Aaronson, 1995 as cited by Stroessner, Good, & Webster). There are many consequences for one who choices to follow the stereotyping path. These consequences include, decreased performance, self-handicapping, task discounting, reactance, disidentification, distancing the self from the stereotyped group, altered professional identities and aspirations, and many more. However, there are ways to prevent these consequences from occurring.
Some tips to help reduce stereotyping are reframing the task; which is when different language is used to describe the task or test being used. Stereotype threats arise when task descriptions highlight social identities stereotypically associated with poor performance. Another tip is encouraging self-affirmation; which can be done by allowing people to think positively about their personal characteristics, skills, and skills that they see as important. Providing role models can also be a helpful tool. Having role models available can help reduce stereotype threats. Another tip is providing external attributions for difficulty. This helps reducing stereotypes threats by providing individuals with reasons why anxiety and distractions that are happening do not validate the stereotype. There are several more tips for prevention against stereotypes and the threats of them. To read more about stereotype threats, check out Reducing Stereotype Threats