All PoconosB2B, News, Classified and all about life in Poconos
  

Read News

Pocono News Section

Eyewitness News Special: Depersonalization of Communication

Eyewitness News Special: Depersonalization of Communication - Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 9:09PM EST

Reported by: Candice Kelly
Thursday, Nov 19, 2009 @ 09:09pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Cell phones and computers. We love them, we use them, and some of us just can't live without them.

Wilkes University Sophomore Aubree Armezzani said, "I would definitely categorize myself as a texting addict. I text constantly."

Whitney Roper, Wilkes University Junior said, "I don't talk on the phone, I text. I won't call. My phone's vibrating right now in my pocket too."

There's Twitter, Facebook, instant messaging, e-mail, you name it, there are countless ways to communicate these days.

But one important skill seems to be getting lost in the electronic shuffle.

Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, Wilkes University Professor of Communication Studies said, "Up to 65 percent of all meaning comes through nonverbal communication. It can supplement what you're saying it can contradict it."

Dr. Crahall sees a disturbing trend. As technology changes so does society. But at what cost?

Crahall said, "I think it is dehumanizing and I think it's dehumanizing in several different ways."

Most of us communicate through the eyes, facial expressions, tone and body language. But generation "Y", which grew up surrounded by modern technology, seems to be slipping away from those basics.

"Increasingly people who use electronic social media devices cannot interpret correctly or even process nonverbal communication correctly," said Crahall.

Crahall said the relational level is also diminishing. Now a days everything is instant and literal.

Armezzani said, "I hate talking to people on the phone and it is to avoid the "hey, how are you doing" then go on with the story. It's just more get to the point. "

Wilkes Junior Michael Cignoli said, "I don't think they lost the ability I think its a lot easier to hide behind a computer screen. I think this is what's in right now and this is what people are doing."

Some see that trend turning into the new norm. It's the way younger generations relate to each other.

Roper said, "I think it's an issue and I think its getting worse. It will probably be worse as younger kids get older."

Chris Jordan, Wilkes Junior, said, "We need to get back into the way things used to be and kind of escape from the technology for a little bit.

Dr. Crahall agrees. While technology can be a rich tool to communicate, there has to be some balance.

Crahall said, "I think the most important thing for me is what we're losing in the quality of relationships and that is the face to face communication. Bring the media in but not at the expense of human interaction."
 


Discuss this news

Your Name (nickname):
Your Email: (will remain private)
Your Comments:
  


Home | News | Businesses | PA places | Classified | Cars for Sale | Account | Products | Home Recipes | Manuals | Stock Images | Earn Commissions | Advertise | Contact Us | Search
Raw Hack

© 2024 AllPoconos.Com All rights reserved.