![]() From simple “word of mouth” to chatting instantaneously with people across the world, communication has evolved to fit with the drastic changes of the modern era. However, today’s main forms of communication—texting and online chatting apps—are limited in the emotions they can express. In a research paper I read, I learned more about just how effective (or ineffective) modern forms of technological communication can be. Emotions are an unconscious process that motivate people to action. Emotional stimulus is sent through the amygdala, after which it can travel on one of two pathways: 1. Fast Track. Controlled by the limbic system, this includes emotional reaction and impulses. 2. Slow Track. Controlled by the frontal lobes of the brain, this includes logical thinking and long-lasting emotions (such as grudges). These two tracts are necessary for behavioral responses. Within these two tracts, emotions are expressed through the five basic expressions of communication: 1. Words 2. Touch 3. Facial expression 4. Body language 5. Sound (such as tone of voice) All five are needed to fully communicate a person’s emotions and the meaning of their words. In fact, it is interesting to note that only ten percent of communication is derived through words; therefore, texting, using solely words, does not communicate ninety percent of what is communicated. Hidden meanings, such as sarcasm, can be misinterpreted. Even words are shortened using “net lingo”, such as “LOL” (laugh out loud). The emotions themselves are boxed up into emoticon symbols, such as :-), which depicts the emotion of happiness. This method of communication is not only limiting, but also can be misinterpreted as the brain is not able to identify any sound, touch, facial expressions or body language it would usually use as cues for emotional interpretation. Also, abbreviations and emojis can downplay the emotions themselves. From personal experience, I once overheard someone saying that she found it funny when her mom sent angry emoji faces, even though she knew her mom was trying to show that she was very upset. The use of emoji faces can be very useful; however, they can also minimize their meaning as they are used frequently and result in making communication impersonal. Snapchat and Instagram, with video and pictures, can include three of the five basic expressions of communication: words, facial expression and sound. However, there is still a disconnect, and many people report that many adolescents have, “alter-egos” online. When a person is online, since they are not physically confronting the person face-to-face, it is easier to be blunt, rude, or even bully others. Still, there are many benefits to these inventions: the ability to communicate quickly over long distances, to save conversations and even to include other mediums of expression, such as art and music. So while it is not wise to depend on technology solely for communication, technology has many advantages. With new inventions and updates, society may find itself one day with technology that can encompass communication fully. Until then, I personally would like to learn more about how emotions are communicated, and evaluate how well apps like Skype and FaceTime communicate emotion.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorHello. Welcome to all things psychology. Enjoy! Archives
December 2017
Categories
All
|