The Face of Communication

Q:Does a communications medium that depends on the written word rather than videos reduce cultural, class, ethnic, age and gender bias?

A: I thought the novel was a great idea because it shows that extraordinary ideas are not only the result from the stereotypical, intelligent adult. I do believe that a medium that relies on the written word rather then videos has the capability to greatly reduce different bias, but not eliminate them. Perhaps the idea of the person's culture, class, ethnicity, age, and gender could be hinted through the writing, such as giving more favor to the low class person, indicating the person is not rich. However, through writing this fact is not known for sure, so I think the reduction is enormous. The novel idea gives great insight into how beneficial the web can be.


Q: Some evidence suggests children who spend their free time in front of a television or computer screen tend not to read and write. Do you think that e-mail, discussion groups, and chat groups can offset this tendency?

A: I believe that e-mail, discussion groups, and chat rooms can be a great alternative to a child just reading and writing. I do not believe one way is greater then the other because each has can have positives and negatives to the other. For example, when a child just read and writes there is no interaction or exchanging of ideas amongst their peers. This can be seen as negative for just reading and writing, or positive for e-mail, discussion groups, and chat groups. However, when a child just uses means such as e-mail, discussion groups, and chat groups they may not be reading content they want to or reads other ideas as opposed to creating their own. This can be seen as positive for reading and writing, and negative for online use. Therefore, I think it can offset the tendency, but the best idea that children should be taught is a good balance of both.


Q: Can you give an example when online communications would have been preferable to face-to-face communication?

A: An example of online communications is more preferable to face-to-face communication would be getting to know someone through dating services. I am not really interested in such services, but I can imagine that it is a good way to know the person's personality before meeting them. Some people may look at someone and not even give them a chance where there is a face-to-face communication because they are not attracted to them. However, if they meet online perhaps they could reveal their personalities to each other before passing judgment on looks.