Cyberface

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/03/fashion/03impression.html?_r=2&st=cse&sq=computer+mediated+communication&scp=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin#

“People look and act the way they do for reasons too numerous to fit into any therapist’s notebook. Yet we commonly shape our behaviour or tweak our appearance in an attempt to control how others perceive us.” I completely agree with this comment. Perception is a process and how you look at others depend on the role you are playing. If you are a just an ordinary housewife and you see a woman of your age wearing branded clothes from head to toe, walking around your neighbourhood, your first impression of her would probably be, “What is wrong with her? Isn’t she afraid of being attacked by a robber?” On the other hand, if she sees you wearing a T-shirt and shorts, her first impression of you would possibly be, “What is this woman doing here? She doesn’t look as if she belongs to this estate. I have never seen her here before.” Therefore, before you create a first impression of others, think about your identity because you may be wrong. This is what social scientists call, the “impression management”.

“Now that first impressions are often made in cyberspace, not face-to-face, people are not only strategizing about how to virtually convey who they are, but also grappling with how to craft an e-version of themselves that appeals to multiple audiences — co-workers, fraternity brothers, Mom and Dad.” Computer mediated communication offers parallel identities and parallel lives.  People today are able to cycle between the real world and the virtual world easily and comfortably. Some even believed that the virtual world is more important than the real world and that the real world is just another place to live in, just another window. Therefore, in that so-called home, people put in much effort to make new friends, to create a “real” home and even built their ideal houses. In order to do that, they have to learn to attract people like how they used to do it face-to-face in the real world.“Among Mr. Walther’s findings is that the attractiveness of the friends on your Facebook profile affects the way people perceive you.” Therefore, just like in the real world, people deceive one another in order to gain acceptance from the majority. Most people devote almost all of their time in this virtual world because CMC enables them to be themselves, to remove the mask the have been putting on in the real world to cover up either their physical characteristics or just their inferiority. The CMC also provides a cathartic effect, people allowed themselves to get absorbed into the virtual hoping that it can heal and relieve the pain which they have been through in the real world. So why is it that people believe that it is easier to gain acceptance online. The answer is obvious. Because it is easier to disguise yourself online. In my opinion, these people have are still not being themselves even in the virtual world because they are still behind a mask. They are either deceiving themselves or they are simply trying to find out more about themselves. Either way, they are still making an effort to display the best side of themselves.

Gender bending is common online. Users, especially man, use the opposite sexes name to hide their real identity. This is simply because it is difficult to be honest in the virtual world. No one can be trusted completely in the real world because most people put on a mask to present the best of them. Now that there is an extra barrier between the people who are communicating, isn’t it a double-dose effect?

Life is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)

THINK before you speak!

“A colleague had to visit the ladies’ lavatory but, upon entering a cubicle, found a rather disgusting toilet that hadn’t been flushed. “Yuck!” she said, backed out hastily and used another cubicle.Another lady came in while my friend was washing her hands. She entered the cubicle with the unpleasant toilet and also retreated rapidly.My friend smiled. “I did that!” she thrilled.It wasn’t until much later that she realized why the women gave her a withering look.”

I got this from this month’s Reader’s Digest. This is a very good example of how nonverbal cues can cause unpleasant first impression and miscommunication. First, we manage our perception through communication. That smile had certainly contributed much to the misunderstanding. However, the words which someone uses to convey a message can either explain the situation or make it worse.  Instead of saying, “I did that!” she could probably say, “I did that too!” to avoid that misinterpretation.

Perception is the process of selecting, organizing and interpreting information. In this case, the second lady selected information such as the image of the disgusting toilet, the first lady’s smile and the words that she said. She then organized the information by connecting the first lady’s smile to the disgusting toilet. Lastly, she interpreted the words “I did that!” literally and allowed herself to combine immediately all the information which she had gathered. This is how perception, first impression and eventually misunderstanding occur.

Life is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)

Intercultural Communication – Toilet Signs

Cultures are “templates for living”. Human nature is universal but cultures are able to tell us who we are, what group we belong to and how we live our lives. The group of people whom we mix with is able to tell us our culture, so are toilets, I mean, toilet signs.

 

Imagine these signs hanging at the doors of the toilets in Singapore. Would you enter? Or would you think it is just a joke? The first pair represents a LOW CONTEXT CULTURE because there are words to indicate clearly that the one on the left is for men while the one on the right is for women. The second pair represents a HIGH CONTEXT CULTURE because we are expected to differentiate between the gents and ladies, just by looking at the pictures. When people from all over the world visit these countries and see these signs, CULTURAL BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION will most probably occur if they do not have an open mind. First, there will be the perception or interpretation of reality where people form their own personal opinions of other cultures and assume that everyone in that particular country has that kind of mindset. Second, there will be goal-oriented behaviours where people expect others to conform to their culture. For instance, if you are from a very conservative culture and you see the following signs, you will probably find them very offensive. On the other hand, if you are very open-minded or rather expose to other culture, either through travelling or reading, then you would not think they are offensive or a cultural shock but rather creative and special. Third, there will be images or sense of self and language or message making. If all these all not well-explained, misunderstandings will take place due to misinterpretations. 

Communication is symbolic, but are all these signs appropriate and adequate to bring across a simple message? Perhaps to many, they do, but to a minority, they may not have much effect. Symbols vary from culture to culture, as shown by the various toilets signs. Therefore, a person’s perception and interpretation of the signs are ultimately based on his or her culture.

Life is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)

Communication in Relationships

Everything in this world, I believe, comes with processes. Success, argument, reconciliation, engagement and disengagement of relationships and many more have steps by steps processes. All these processes require a common factor, communication. If this breaks down, the others will not work out as well.  

Relationship between couples, according to DeFleur et al, uses a framework of three processes. They are engagement, management, and disengagement. Engagement is not easy. However, it is the easiest among the three processes. Sincerity, genuine love and concern, perseverance are the basic few elements required to succeed, if you do not have the money or the physical appearance. Management is the hardest. One has to learn to give more than he or she takes. One must also possess several essential abilities, such as to trust, to tolerate, to understand, to forgive, to forget, to juggle well between the relationship and other commitments in life and to be faithful. Disengagement depends on situations. To some people, death may be a better way to separate couples because at least you know that your partner still loves you. On the other hand, some may think that falling for someone else is better because only one of the two would be really hurt. For me, I think the latter is better because though I do not believe that time can heal, I know that death may cause eternal pain.

First impression, I think, is the most significant. If you have failed to create a good one, try to make up for it, but I doubt it will be of much help. Relational formation and development depend a lot on physical appearance, though people always say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, who doesn’t? However, as long as your relationship with that particular person is established, then you can gradually put your concentration on how to maintain the relationship, because it would not be of such a great impact as it is before getting together. Moreover, perception of attractiveness changes over time. Now, you may be strong and muscular, but over a period of time, she might find those muscles disgusting. Judgements of physical attractiveness are influenced by cultural norms and socialization. If your society sees fat people as attractive, then naturally your ideal partner must be of a certain weight and size.

Next, it is also in human nature to choose partners who is similar to oneself. Through this, one can reduce uncertainties about them and the associated risks in the relationship. This also acts as a form of assurance to oneself. For instance, if this particular person you fancy is rich but stingy like you, you know that he or she is just trying to save up for rainy days because you do that for the same reason too.

On the other hand, if you have chosen someone who is very different from yourself, the possibility may be that you are looking for someone to complement you. These differences can sustain a relationship as they function better together than separately.

When you maintain a relationship, be aware of the gives and takes (relational capital). If you have taken too much, be sure that you give as much, because if you shortchange your partner over a long period of time, you cannot afford the consequence. Dependency can hurt a lot during dissolution. Self disclosure is one of the ways in ensuring that you do not shortchange your partner, tell him or her more about yourself and not just simply listen. Give them comments to show that you are interested.

Relationships are also formed between people who see each other almost every day (proximity) because there is more time for interaction and there is less intimidation and uncertainty. However, familiarity can also breed contempt (that is why couples, especially old couples quarrel most of the time).

People choose their partner often due to their competency as well. The more capable this person is, the more you would find him or her attractive. However, most of the time, this kind of liking will die down very soon or when that person fails in a way or the other.All in all, I believe a successful relationship requires genuine liking, mutual trust and there must also be self disclosure.

All in all, I believe a successful relationship requires genuine liking, mutual trust and there must also be self disclosure.

Life is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)

功夫灌篮 Kung Fu Dunk!

This movie has somehow taken the approach of getting out of a SCRIPT. What do you see on a basketball court? Dribbling, spinning of basketballs, stunts, etc. But here, you see more than that, martial arts have become the main theme.

Next, FIGURE AND GROUND was also used to organize information. For example, when Chow was recalling what his previous ‘girlfriends’ said to him, the background was made grey so that the girls were made the figure, and that all attention will be focused on them.

At the end of the movie, we see how NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION helped the team won the game. Chow threw the basketball, and just when everyone thought it was meant to be a goal, only his caption knew, through teamwork, that it was not a goal but a passing to another player. From there, he scored and they won.

During the several matches, the players from both teams have display transactional communication, which is a process of mutual influence between two players, both being senders and receivers, encoders and decoders. This is also a process of simultaneous exchange, where two players from the same team, exchange signals, be it hand gestures or even blinking of the eyes, and reply the signals immediately.

In this movie, Chow has been himself. This is what I believe, has been his weakness. A professional actor should be what he is supposed to be in a movie. REGULATORS will certainly help differentiate 方世杰 and Chow. I do like Chow, I love his songs, but I think if he wishes to continue his career in acting, he has to make the effort to correct his mumbling habit.Like is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)

Perception. Prejudice.

I came across this flash just now and thought it was kind of interesting. I guess most of you might have already watched it since this incident happened 2 years ago.

Though the entire flash was supported by only several sentences, in my opinion, it has successfully brought out the gist of the exact incident. However, I believe it still depends on individual’s PERCEPTION. We manage our perception and establish a degree of shared perception through communication. Thus, since this communication is not interactive, there may be misinterpretations as based on solely this flash; we get to view only one side of the story.Next, perception is physiological and cognitive in nature. Yet, what is human’s nature? That is, to jump into conclusions. Thus, on one hand, this flash may be displaying sarcasm as a punishment to that arrogant girl; it may also be misleading others. In my perspective, I believe in the former because I totally agree with Derek Wee with regards to his opinions on how foreigners have taken over jobs that should belong to the locals. This is due to personal experience, not within the working force but rather academically. I supposed it foreigners have a similar effect on both of them? Perhaps most of the locals do feel the same way since there is an increasing number of foreign talents, which means that jobs in companies and positions in local institutions are getting limited for local employees and students.

Perception is also influenced by psychological and social factors. In this case, people who have experienced unemployment or retrenchment, or are living in a culture, where those unemployed are being looked down upon, may agree with Derek and get really frustrated with Min’s unforgivable comments. The perception process consists of organising, selecting and interpreting information simultaneously. If one already has a stand that what Min said is wrong, then when watching the flash, they may select the wrong information, organise in a bias way and then interpret it wrongly. 

The flash was accompanied by music which allowed the audience to let their emotions freely.Overall, I will give this flash four out of five stars.

Life is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)

THE MIST. You should watch it.

The movie started with a storm – to indicate the beginning of a disaster, not a natural one as the name suggests, but probably a man-made one. Both The Mist and Cloverfield have funny looking creatures attacking humans, but I think The Mist has certainly done a better job, be it the sound effects, the script or even the facial expressions of the actors.

Most of the civilians took shelter in a supermarket, while observing the situation outside, witnessing those who attempted to escape eaten by the monster. When things got beyond control, and everyone felt so hopeless and helpless, a woman, who was thought to be crazy, led more than half of the survivors into believing that, all these man-eating creatures were created by God who was out to punish the humans for going against His will. This is her PERCEPTION of the entire situation. She might be desperate; she might be finding solace in God, making up stories to give people some sort of hope. People who believed in her may be searching for a glimpse of hope as well. At that point in time, whether she was right or wrong, it was entirely up to the audience’s selection, organisation and interpretation of what has happened in the movie so far. For example, if they choose to believe that this storyline is biblical, then they would be on the wrong track and might even find the outcome ridiculous. The INFLUENCES OF SELECTION in this case are the audience’s psychological state (happy, sad, etc), and their religious beliefs. However, perception has been proven deceiving at a later part of this movie.

The people found out that the man-eating creatures might be the doings of a group of soldiers who killed themselves eventually. However, one of them did not and he revealed that it was some scientists’ idea to explore the other dimension of the world. Despite the confession, he was thrown outside the store for the monsters. Standing outside the store with the enormous creature approaching him, the soldier clasped his hands and mouthed the words, “please let me in.” His actions and expressions (examples of nonverbal communication skills) effectively showed how desperate he was and definitely aroused fear in most people in the cinema (there are people at the back cursing and swearing).

Then there were actors who made good use of the SILENCE. Without saying a word, and just by covering their mouths and raising their eyebrows, the audience can already expect what was on their mind. The shock and fear are what I believed, the audience can share. The SOUND EFFECT played a very important role here. Music provoked sadness and fear in audience, it created suspense as well.Toward the end of the movie, there was a twist. The main lead killed his own son and the only people left with him with the remaining four bullets. Lost, he got out of his safest zone, his car, and faced the monster bravely. Just when everyone thought that the movie was going to end with everyone dead, instead of the creature, tankers with many survivors emerged from the mist. I think that will certainly drive a man nuts no matter how strong he was.

One of the media theories, the cultivation theory, has a role to play too. The message in the media, in this case, monsters do exist, especially within natural disasters, do not influence audience’s attitudes directly but cultivated indirectly. This influence is gradual and cumulative. For example, after watching the movie, I realised I became rather paranoid, especially when I placed my feet on the ground, I will lift them off the ground suddenly, fearing that something below the chair might grabbed me under it and tear me apart.

Life is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)

DYMO AD. Sweet.

 

Dymo’s advertisement for their electronic labellers is one of my favourite advertisements. I believe a good advertisement is one with a twist. 

In this advertisement, an elderly couple greeted each other one morning with a kiss. They smiled so sweetly at each other that, though I think they looked weird, I cannot figure out just what it is exactly, until they lost their smile. From that sweet smile to their frown, this non-verbal communication has certainly effectively made this advertisement a humourous and unexpected one. 

The general functions of nonverbal communication are to repeat, contradict, substitute, complement, accent and regulate verbal communication. In this case, the labels repeat the function of the electronic labellers. The sound effect (the “oh-no” tone) contradicts the lively music played initially, which brings down the atmosphere of a delightful morning to show the mistake the couple made. It creates an immediate contrast to bring out the effects of such mistakes. Lastly, the kiss substituted the words, “I love you”.

By placing the two words, ‘HIS’ and HERS’ side by side, the producer has made good use of simple words to cover up the dentures – something some of us will find personal while others find gross. 

I give this advertisement four out of five stars. It is certainly original, creative and funny. Here, the sender of the message has encoded the message non-verbally in this advertisement and successfully sent it to, I believe, most of the audience, who decoded and enjoyed the simple message – Dymo’s electronic labeller is for everyone. 

Life is short, make it sweet. =)

Cloverfield. YUCKS!

The movie started with a couple quarrelling over some issues and all of a sudden the head of the Statue of Liberty fell after an explosion. People started screaming and scampered all over the place. After awhile, a monster, with a brain sticking out of its big head, emerged. It looked extremely cartoonish and I felt as if I was watching the American’s version of Godzilla or even Ultra man!  First there was an enormous beast, and then several spider-liked creatures came attacking the civilians. Hiding in one of the tunnels in New York to avoid the man-eating creatures, the actors remained silent while listening to the destruction going on above them. The movie ended with the couple who argued at the beginning of the show, recording their last words. The recorder was with their friend all the while, but he died when he turned back to retrieve the recorder after the helicopter, which was about to help them escape, crashed, right under the huge creature. When he was killed, the couple returned after running a distance away from the monster, just to look at him. And they also took the recorder with them!

In my opinion, the actors in the movie completely failed to inject the pathos aspect into their roles, which is something I supposed was intended for every movie. I felt giddy because the entire movie was filmed from the perspective of one character. In this case he himself is holding the camera and doing the filming. That means if the recorder happened to fall or get smashed into pieces by anyone, the movie has to end. The script writer is trying too hard to be creative and original. Most of the time, what the audience could see was half a face, the characters’ butt, legs, a room with no one in it, and the ground. Hence, more often than not, the audience is not able to see the characters’ expressions, tell their body language or survey the environment properly. It is not an effective way of presenting the movie as the audience is not able to get a full picture of the story, hence the message the producers are trying to convey would not reach the audience properly.

During the almost a minute of silence in the tunnel, I was expecting the actors to use their facial expressions to arouse my fear or even just prepare me with what was going to happen next. However, I was disappointed when two of the characters were blocked by pillars and the one who was right in front of the camera appeared only to be extremely tired even when the entire building was shaking. They failed to make use of silence to present their talents in acting. In contrast to Asian films, where they view silence as a mode of communication, this scene in Cloverfield showed a difference between the cultures of the east and west, and how it was conveyed through scenes of silence.

In the scene where one of the female leads were taken behind a white cloth set up by the military, I thought the actress was shot to death because the others were afraid that she might turn into one of those horrible creatures, but my friend said she vomited and died. I feel that this is not an appropriate technique – to leave it up to the audience’s imagination, as it gives an unfinished ending to this character and not a proper closure. 

The sound effect was another factor that really turned me off. It did not create fear, it failed to carry out suspense and it has proven that this is just a typical boring monster sci-fi American movie! Noise created by the actors’ footsteps and the video camera during struggles and panics, caused effective interactive communication to be of great difficulty as it was overdone. As an audience, I was frustrated by the surrounding noise as I could not hear their full conversations. Interactive model of communication can be made possible if the producer made an effort to allow communication between humans and the monster, possible. If this were to happen in reality, I believe miscommunication is bound to occur as feedback is made almost impossible.

Symbolic communication was very limited as only hand gestures such as “come over here” was made. There were not much symbols or signals used as well. However, if the humans attempt to communicate with the creatures, symbolic communication might be required to save the day! 

Life is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)

I AM BLOGGING!!!

I used to find blogging a waste of TIME.

But for my grades I have to give it a TRY.

Do it or not it’s all in the MIND.

So when I do, don’t ask WHY.

You can visit and leave a LINE.

But don’t say things that will make me CRY.

And don’t chat because I don’t have the TIME!

Life is short, make it sweet. Smile. =)