This chapter gave a lot of information about what the reader can expect in the coming chapters, before discussing some of the pros and cons of different digital media and some of the key concepts of the media that will be discussed. Of the seven concepts that were given, the one that stood out the most to me was the temporal structure of a medium. This structure can either be synchronous or asynchronous, meaning face-to-face communication and delayed communication, respectively. Baym goes on to point out both the positives and negatives for each structure. She then asserts that face-to-face communication is the most important, saying that face-to-face is more authentic because it puts the "communion" in communication. In this instance, communion is taken to mean the sharing of a person's intimate thoughts or feelings, and this exchange is often more meaningful when it is done in person.
This chapter also raises many questions about the authenticity of the connections that are happening in our world today. With more romantic relationships taking root through media, it can be hard to determine the intentions behind that relationship and whether or not the person on the other end is truly present or absent. This raises the question about what is occurring virtually and what is happening in real life. This can lead to a skewed sense of reality, dependent on how much of total interactions take place synchronously and asynchronously.
Overall, this chapter caused me to question how I currently perceive digital communication and whether or not the interactions that I have with others are truly reality. I generally try hard to be both physically and mentally present when I am having synchronous interactions with others, but this chapter made me question whether or not I'm doing enough to be present.
This is a topic we have gone over in many courses in the Media Studies department, how one can have one foot in one place and one foot in the other because of how technology enables one to do so. It does beg the question if someone is emotionally and truthfully present even through they are physically there. It is also interesting how it can impact and change our relationships we have with people in our lives, especially how strong their foundation is. I do agree it does change your perception of the digital age and how you yourself pay attention to how you use technological mediums to communicate in your day to day life.
ReplyDeleteI agree as well. And if you read my post, it is kind of ranting about this topic. Reading this chapter has also made me question whether or not I am establishing relationships in an emotional and present way.
ReplyDeleteEmily, you make a good point about absent presence leading to a skewed sense of reality. Through the seven concepts Baym outlines, we can begin to decipher what that skewed sense is.
ReplyDelete