Discussing stereotypes

The one concept in the book I feel deserved extra discussion is stereotypes. I know that stereotypes seem like an average topic, but I thought that there wasn’t enough discussion on it in the book. It didn’t really go into depth on either the negative or objective aspect. With some of the other concepts there were more examples and explanations. The reason I feel that stereotypes should be further discussed is because though it shouldn’t always be looked at negatively in reality it is. I think that if people were more aware of how stereotypes are simply objective perceptions then they would less likely turn into negative situations of prejudice. I hear too many times in the media how stereotypes are depicted as something negative. I also believe that the media always spins the negative aspect of stereotypes. Personally the stereotypes I think that are made toward my ethnicity or the place I reside are humorous. However not many people would agree at times that stereotypes are neither humorous nor amusing.

Two interesting concepts

The two concepts from the book I thought were the most interesting are e-fatigue and non-verbal behaviors. First I will discuss e-fatigue. As I discussed before I am between generations so I grew up without the internet for the most part until high-school. I remember how in high school the internet was just becoming known. Now the internet is frequented by almost everyone. Not only is the internet of increased use but other avenues of technology as well. I have seen how technology has evolved and grown over the years. I simply find it interesting how it has evolved into a major part of our lives and history.
The second concept I like to talk about is non-verbal behavior. Non-verbal behavior is just one of those characteristics that I can share with everyone. No matter what kind of people we are we all practice this simple concept. Out of all the characteristics on behavior discussed in the book, non-verbal behavior is one that I will have in common with virtually everyone. That is why it is so interesting.

Communication Inquiry

The most interesting method is gathering and analyzing data. I find this part the most interesting because this formulates theories and/or answers. A question I would pose for researching deception on cheating spouses would be “when was the first time you noticed your spouse leaving home?” Sounds like a basic question to the scenario but so many answers could be shared. The most interesting part is how the answers are shared and to the extent of information given. The most ideal method for this scenario would be gathering and analyzing data. Analyzing data from the question would probably find possible answers. Analyzing this particular scenario would take considerable study because it is primarily based on assumptions (if of course no concrete evidence is found). In order to find concrete answers there must first be a thorough investigation. I also believe with this situation there really isn’t a specific answer or solution so the other methods may not be feasible.

E-Fatigue

I find this concept to be interesting in chapter 11 for two reasons. One is because I have never heard of the term. Second is that I believe this is a true statement of how communication effects our current society.
Being that I am between generations of the cyber age and of the one that precedes, I see the relevance to this term. When I was younger the internet was just introduced. Had I known that technology would eventually replace books and classrooms, I might have reconsidered the thought of actually physically attending college. But aside from that I find the consistent change of technology keeps me interested. Every year it seems that there is something significantly different than before. Technology changes quite frequently that at times it’s hard to keep up. I remember when I just bought my first phone and how excited I was. Then the newer model came out only months later. I remember that feeling of wanting the newer version because mine was already outdated. Honestly that feeling was a bit of an annoyance.

Medium

Mediums consist of different tools of communication. Those tools can be through television, radio, or the internet to name a few. I believe any sort of medium is important because it is in the perception of individuals who place value on these tools. Format, content, and broadcasting elements of communication go hand in hand. First the formatting would have to illustrate a particular interest. The content would then display this particular interest. Lastly it is how the interest is broadcasted to gain the most prospects. I find that it is the interests of audiences that ultimately determine what goes into each element. For example gamers will most likely pay attention to these elements if they are set into a video game. Another example would be of sports fanatics. Their medium would perhaps be more effective on the large advertising screen at a sporting event. So yes I would have to conclude that the medium is essential to successfully relay a message.

Cyber friendships

In regards to having friendships online, I have established few through networking sites. There are some that only exist through the internet because some are with others who live in other countries. I find it difficult to have face to face friendships with those who do not live near by. The internet seems to have the proper tools in order to keep those lines of friendship intact.
I think face to face friendships largely differ from online relationships. One reason is because I see how friends of my own have friendships online. Yes they converse online but I have yet to witness any of them finding interest conversing in person. In my opinion I think these relationships simply are not the same as those with face to face relationships because they are established online. Honestly I think this question is difficult to explain because there are some people who truly value friendships online and those who do not. As for myself I could really careless either way.

Dating in the Workplace

The one concept from chapter 8 in Trenholm I’d like to discuss is workplace relationships. I found this topic interesting because there have been stigmas attached to dating in the workplace as taboo and to not consider the option for years. However it seems that the stigma is quickly fading. For the most part I would agree that having a workplace relationship can be complicated. But if it happens to work out in the end, that would be the more positive aspect. The negative aspect is that it may not work out. When it doesn’t work out things can get complicated. For example if the two individuals worked in the same department and there is a need for constant interaction a break-up might have an impact on workflow. On the other hand if the two individuals work in a large corporation and in separate departments, complications won’t be as evident. None the less work relationships should be carefully thought through before engaging.