#Online Communication

[tumbler-polls]

[bunabyte]

I’m so glad that Tumblr has a culture of letting people not interact with each other if they don’t want to. Sometimes, I’ll follow someone, they’ll follow me back, I’ll like their posts, they’ll like some of my posts, and so on. But, even through all of that, there’s no actual expectation of when exactly I’ll interact with them again. This is great for someone like me with severe social anxiety, who sometimes just wants to take a break and not engage with anyone for a short while without being considered “antisocial”.

Of course, none of this will stop me from still getting stressed out by it lol

[defectivegembrain]

Emojis/emoticons are NOT equivalent to tone indicators and neither can replace the other. An imitation of a face, requiring interpretation, is not remotely interchangeable with either just saying what you mean in words or shortening it. Like yes the abbreviations do require learning to understand, but so do emojis and emoticons for many of us. Facial expressions are really really not intuitive for everyone, and yes this can extend to simplified text or cartoon imitations of them. Both have their place isn't it better to have more tools available for communication?

[josephkravis]

Busted By Your Emoji and MEME

That's right there are enough emojies and meanings to suite just about everyone. #kravis #midjourney

Emoji’s have meaning. Yeah, that’s right. Emoji’s and MEME have meaning. And I’m talking the simple image displayed has interesting consequences. Such that in recent tweets and court cases usage of emoji’s have appeared as evidence in court rulings. AND HAVE CHANGED THE COURSE OF TRADING MARKETS. And before I get to far along with this post, Emojis are in a sense copyrighted works off art.…

[jojosbizarreestopa]

I need an emoji that's a mix of the crying and the celebratory emojis (😭 and 🥳) so I can properly express the feeling of being extremely relieved that something finally happened.

[0xjuro]

Just send it anyways. It's not weird. Chances are the asker is in the exact same boat and forgot what they sent or that they sent it in the first place. I certainly do.

And that just makes getting random surprise answers all the sweeter. I personally think a flower unexpectedly starting to bloom again years after dying is an exceptional kind of beauty.

yo for the record if you put something in my inbox and i never respond it’s not that i didn’t like it or read it it’s that i very very often see messages and go ‘oh i should respond to that’ and then i fucking forget until it’s like. been enough time to be weird

[shameeater]

The end of online privacy

Now, this isn't something I usually post about from my silly goofy k1nk account (reminder to minors to not follow or scroll this acount).

But I have more followers on here than main, and this is extremely important. Like, scary shit.

This applies to everyone. If you're reading this? It's going to effect you.

I'm sure perhaps some of you have seen around about a this thing going around... KOSA, is one of the ways it's being referred to.

If this shit passes, lemme tell you...

LGBTQ+ adults and minors seeking help and community,

people looking for abortions,

people organizing protests,

anyone using their free speech to voice concerns about injustices, 

even FAN ARTISTS...

Even people reading fan fiction...

And for the purposes of where I'm posting from... people sharing and enjoying their k1nks, wanting to post things with safety and privacy... smut artists and writers, people even LOOKING for smut...

It's all gone. No privacy.

They'll have your face, your name, your age, where you live.

You'll need an ID to use any US-based platform, even if you're NOT in the United States.

Instead of dooming, here's what you can do to stop this shit in it's tracks 👍

Here is a website where you can sign a letter just by filling out a form, (it takes less than 30 seconds) and where you can call reps.

I HIGHLY suggest leaving calls if you're able, and if you have phone shyness, do this after 6pm, since it will leave messages instead.

I'm shy, but I did it!

Here's another letter to sign, takes less than 20 seconds.

Here is a form you can fill out sharing how the social media has POSITIVELY effected you.

Share all of this with as many people as you can. Our safety, freedom, joy, and protection online is at risk more than ever.

(Here is the thread where I found all of this information.)

STAY SAFE!

[ngbaodu]

TOPIC 6: Week 5: Online Communication Culture: The Journey to Rediscovering True Connection?

We live in an era where with just a click of a mouse, you can reach millions of people around the world. But does the convenience of online communication always bring real connection?

Online Culture: Chaos or Order?

The internet is a melting pot of cultures, perspectives, and opinions. This is both an opportunity and a challenge. It is a place to learn and broaden our horizons, but it is also a place where we can easily fall into a spiral of arguments, misunderstandings, and sometimes, isolation. The impact of cyberbullying is very serious, especially on the mental health of adolescents, often leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts (UNICEF, 2024). According to NIH research, adolescents who are exposed to cyberbullying are 4 times more likely to think about or attempt suicide than those who are not exposed. This risk remains significant even after other factors such as family conflict or school support are taken into account. The ubiquitous nature of cyberbullying—it can happen anytime, anywhere—increases psychological pressure, leaving victims feeling isolated and powerless (Reynolds, 2022)

Powerful Words

Understand Instead of Judge

How many times have you unconsciously read a comment and felt angry because it contradicts your point of view? But instead of reacting immediately, learn to stop and ask, “What is this person really trying to convey?”

Respect Differences

Differences are what make the world more interesting. No two people have the same life experiences, and therefore, opinions will never be completely the same. We can disagree, but we can still respect them.

Stop Abusing Anonymity

Anonymity is a double-edged sword. It can create a safe space for you to express yourself, but it can also easily make us forget to be responsible for our words. A mean comment is sometimes just a "minute of stress relief" for you, but a whole day of heartache for others.

We don't necessarily have to be perfect "angels" online, but perhaps what we really need is sincerity and awareness.

Before pressing "Send", ask yourself: "Is this necessary? Does it bring any value?"

When you feel like arguing, remember that the goal is not to win, but to understand.

Start with small things like each friendly comment, each sincere listening, each understanding is a brick to build a better online communication culture.

Because in the end, the internet is not just a place to talk, but a place to connect. And true connection starts with kindness.

And you, what do you think about online communication culture?

References

Reynolds, S. (2022, July 12). Cyberbullying linked with suicidal thoughts and attempts in young adolescents. National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/cyberbullying-linked-suicidal-thoughts-attempts-young-adolescents

UNICEF. (2024, February). Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it. Unicef. https://www.unicef.org/end-violence/how-to-stop-cyberbullying

[fluff-and-kura]

as someone with auditory processing difficulties, need subtitles on in every video, and forget most of the discussion afterward anyway, i definitely third this

I am slowly losing my mind over the shift towards video as the default media format.

I do not find this to be an efficient way to absorb information. I am bored and distracted by the time the largely unnecessary introduction is over. I can't use ctrl+f to find the specific information I'm looking for. If there are instructions to follow, I don't want to have to constantly pause and back up to the part I need.

At least give me a fucking transcript.

[insightfultake]

The Digital Fabric of Influence: How Social Media Shapes Narratives

In the sprawling landscape of contemporary society, social media has emerged as an omnipotent force, weaving intricate narratives that shape public opinion and personal belief systems. With the flick of a finger, individuals are transported into a realm where ideas proliferate with unprecedented speed, and the voices of the many rises in a cacophony that often drowns out the singular, reflective thought. The significance of this phenomenon cannot be overstated, for it is within these digital confines that the very essence of discourse has transformed, redefining the dynamics of influence and persuasion...Click to expand more

[todayworldnews2k21]

No provision for 'digital arrest' worldwide; report cybercrimes at earliest: Experts

Lucknow: Posing as CBI and RBI officials, suspected cybercriminals recently put a retired banker and his wife under “digital arrest” for five days in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district and convinced the elderly couple to transfer more than Rs 1 crore to them. A senior doctor from Lucknow’s SGPGIMS lost Rs 2.81 crore under a similar ruse in August while reports of such crimes have also emerged from…

[ozmoz]

Being human

We are all humans. No matter how "different" or unique we are all humans. Be kind to one another. Communicate kindly. We don't know how people feel or will react to our communication. We should think carefully before communicating. It is common sense. We should also accept when we make mistakes and apologise sincerely, not try to turn around the table by invalidating the people we may have hurt.

Be kind. Be humanly kind.

[geisteszustand]

communication tips : online discussions

in the 21st century, we are far more interconnected than in any other point in human history. we have the ability to easily learn foreign languages and interact with other people across the globe. so goes without saying online communication is simple for everyone who is not in some form neodivergent and there are rarely problems that stem from miscommunications and misunderstandings.

…except that would be inaccurate to say. while those who are neodivergent do seem to struggle more in many cases, effective online communication is very difficult for the majority of people in the online world. when you are interacting with people offline, you have the ability to read body language and hear the tone of voice when they speak. online, you are limited to the words that are typed, the way that it is said, and your own personal interpretation of the tone.

it is difficult to find sources that will back up what i say, as methods for communicating effectively online tend to focus on topics that don’t apply well in more relaxed spaces. for example, when joking online many people do use all caps or many people type without focusing on grammar, spelling and punctuation. the main reason for that is because it is considered stiff or intimidating for one to speak in ways that are too “proper” or textbook-like. so most of the advice below will be my own thoughts and opinions on the matter using whatever sources i can to explain those ideas.

it can likely be agreed upon that 280 characters in a single tweet is the worst online decision, ever. can one truly articulate themselves within a mere 280 characters, even if there is no thread limitation? in many situations, the answer to that is a quick and firm no. even if the tweet can fall within the character count, it is still subject to scrutiny and criticisms for being considered disrespectful despite that not being the author’s intentions.

what is the ‘tone’ given by the author? let me rephrase this in another way, how do you know that it is the ‘tone’ that the author is intending?

‘there are anime fans who prefer the english dubs to subs, WHY!?!?’

what is the tone of voice here? well, given the conversations that surround this topic, it is often either anger because people are being disrespectful to dubs yet again, or genuine indifference. but was that what the intentions behind the tweet? maybe, but i would be hesitant to make that a rule for such a simple phrase. without any direct insults, threats or anything to make it seem disrespectful, the tweet is rather mundane. if you feel attacked by the phrase, your feelings are valid and you by no means have to continue interacting with that user. however, if you respond to the user with those negative feelings, that is less valid and helpful in many cases.

why is that so? well, look in the comments and if the author of the tweet is responding to other users with warm words and kindness, saying that they are valid for enjoying the content with english voice actors, is it appropriate to say that they are invalidating others or to criticize them harshly? maybe not.

while your feelings are valid, how you choose to react and express yourself is within your control. could the author have worded themselves differently? maybe? such a thought does depend on the author and their knowledge of how things may be interpreted to others.

unlike with longer bodies of text, tweets that fall under 280 characters have little context to use. these tweets in particular find themselves to be more frequently ignored or misunderstood because of that. such posts can be similar to the joking tweet about how a simple phrase like “i like pancakes” can be interpreted as “so you hate waffles?” on sites like twitter.

osmo wiio, a finnish professor of communication, created a set of guidelines or laws of communication and what to expect of them. a copy of the first three are written below.

Communication always fails, except by accident.

If a message can be interpreted in different ways, it will be interpreted in the way that can cause the most damage.

There will always be someone who knows better than you what you’ve meant with your message.

even in public speaking, where the audience is able to use the body language, facial expressions and even the tone of the speaker’s voice, there will always be misunderstandings and confusion. even if the author or speaker were to be completely articulated and clear with no ill intent behind the words used, the audience can (and will) completely misunderstand or assume what the author meant.

i know that when i started this blog post, at least one person thought this would hold the answer as to ‘how to be less misunderstood.’ but, there is no true answer on being less misunderstood. the real problem that causes conflict during miscommunication has nothing to do with the words used, with the ‘tone’ or way that someone articulated themselves, but the reaction of the audience. miscommunication is common in all interactions. if one responds to a particular tweet with negative emotions then they turn off the ability to further communicate with the author, to improve the relationship or to find the misunderstanding. it also shuts down communication about ideas on how to ‘improve’ future misunderstanding.

using the example i gave above, which response would you rather have in your comments?

a. ‘stop shitting on people’s preferences…’

or

b. ‘i tend to watch the english dub because i can only watch anime while i am busy. i know you likely didn’t mean it as such, but the way you said why comes off as aggressive.’ (171 characters in total)

personally, a comes off aggressive automatically which turns off any communication with them. b on the other hand gave an answer that the author may not have considered and gave an opportunity for them to engage further should the author choose to.

but, this could be yet another example of how people associate the phrases used per their own experience. maybe i, and even yourself, misunderstood a when they said that. maybe coming off as aggressive and rude was not their intention but that was the way that from our experiences, we viewed it as such.

overall, it is important to just be aware of what we say, how we say it, and when we say it. if we speak when we are feeling negative emotions, we are more likely to say things in negative ways that hurt others, even by accident.

work cited

“Best Practices for Online Communication.” Www.Umassglobal.Edu, www.umassglobal.edu/news-and-events/blog/extreme-makeover-online-communication-edition. Accessed 11 Aug. 2024. 

Rehn, Alf. “You Will Be Misunderstood - on Public Speaking, What Audiences Hear, and Making Your Speech Less...” Medium, The Art of Keynoting, 10 Aug. 2016, medium.com/the-art-of-keynoting/you-will-be-misunderstood-on-public-speaking-what-audiences-hear-and-making-your-speech-less-b9ec89b2bbc6. 

[hurtcomforted]

an account that rates online fights. not even their topics but like, the quality of the arguments etc.

"purposefully misunderstanding your opponent, minus five points"

"insulting their character instead of countering their arguments, minus ten"

no one is sure if there’s actually a points system or if it’s completely subjective.

people start arguing under their posts about which side the acc is on and they rate those too, without ever actually stating their opinion.

[mydayswithtarotbystella]

The Power of Words: Online Friendships

I need to watch my words. I do sometimes. Because I can be misunderstood quite quickly. I have lost a couple of friends because of misunderstandings, and it’s been very uncomfortable being in that situation. I felt a loss of control and power. And lack of knowledge on how to handle it. I need to watch my words so that I don’t seem like I don’t care, and that I don’t come across as rude, or fake.…