Positive Effects Of Online Communication

Throughout time communication has been a key element in social interactions from, family life, to friendships, and the workplace, which in turn plays a role in our well-being psychologically. Today computers have led to marvelous advancements that just a short time ago seemed impossible, one such advancement is the development of online communication. Stated by authors Sara Kiesler, Jane Seigel and Timothy McGuire “ No one can predict in any detail the nature of the transformations that computers will bring, but one aspect of life that will certainly be affected is communication.” Online communication allows for people to communicate virtually, essentially meaning not having to be in the same place physically or verbally exchanging language.

One example showing the positive affects of non-verbal communication is from a study done In Tokyo Japan; showing that if an interviewer nods his/her head in response to an interviewee’s remarks, showing interest and engagement in what is being said, the interviewee seems to talk more and stated after the interview that he/her become more confident (Higo et. Al, 2014). When the interviewer gives the non-verbal cue of nodding the interviewee process that information in a positive way and feel more confident about the interview they are giving, which results in more confidence and eventually leading to possible job opportunity, therefore boost psychological well-being. A recent article in Forbes author Mina Chang stated, “93% of effective communication comes from non-verbal skills”. Developing the skills needed to preform effective and beneficial face-to-face-communications are invaluable and can not be learned without interacting with another person. Social networking sites and smart phone communication can not provide the benefits like tradition communication

One way it is shaping psychological well-being is how SNS shape ones identity. It is stated that communication technology may be one contributing factor to an increase in identity disruption and distress (Vogel, Rose, Roberts, Eckles 2014). According to Saul Mcleod, Erik Erikson Psychologist said, “that the ego (part of personality identity that rationalizes) develops as it successfully resolves crises that are distinctly social in nature”. These involve establishing a sense of trust in others, developing a sense of identity in society, and helping the next generation prepare for the future (simplypsychology.org 2013). Communicating through SNS allows for an individual to post anything they want, with the potential to shape user identity, creating a socially negotiated version of self (Strano, Queen, 2012). Anyone can present themselves however they want to through SNS, creating an image that may not be what truly reflects the individual. “The ease with which one can create false identities, extreme identities, and identities disconnected from reality; and indirectly disrupting the quality of social relationships through which identity issues are often explored and resolved (Cyr, Berman, and Smith 2015). As children grown into adolescents, and adolescents into adults the experiences and social