Interaction Society and Media Theory

Characteristics of the Interaction Society

• In an interaction society, individuals communicate and interact with each other through various forms of media.
• Interactions are more frequent, instant, and widespread due to technological advancements.
• Individuals can access information and connect with others across geographical boundaries.
• The lines between public and private life blur in an interaction society as individuals increasingly share their lives online.

Interactivity: Mead, Weber, & Media Ecology

• George Herbert Mead's theory of symbolic interactionism emphasizes the importance of social interaction in shaping individual identity and meaning.
• Max Weber's concept of "rationalization" describes the increasing influence of logic and efficiency in modern society, leading to the rise of impersonal interactions based on objective criteria.
• Media ecology focuses on the relationship between technology and society. It highlights how technological advancements change the way we communicate, interact, and experience the world.

Anonymity & the Dog Cartoon in 1993

• In the late 1990s, anonymity online was associated with a sense of freedom and liberation from social constraints.
• The dog cartoon depicted in 1993 highlighted how online anonymity can lead to more uninhibited expression and behavior compared to offline interactions.

Purpose of Emojis

• Emojis provide a visual means of conveying emotions, tone, and intention in digital communication.
• They enhance communication by offering a convenient and efficient way to express nuances that may be difficult to convey through text alone.

Advantages of Asynchronous Communication

• Asynchronous communication allows participants to contribute to a conversation at their own pace and convenience.
• It eliminates pressure to respond immediately and allows for more thoughtful and deliberate responses.
• It allows for communication across time zones and geographic distances.
• The lack of immediate pressure can create a more relaxed and less intimidating communication environment.
• Asynchronous communication can foster a sense of community among participants, as they can engage with the conversation when they have time.

Disinhibition Effect

• The disinhibition effect refers to the tendency for individuals to express themselves more openly and less inhibited online than in face-to-face settings.
• It is often attributed to the perceived anonymity and lack of immediate consequences for behaviors.

Stanford Prison Experiment & Deindividuation

• The Stanford Prison Experiment demonstrated how social roles and group dynamics can influence individual behavior.
• Participants took on their assigned roles (guards and prisoners) with such intensity that the experiment had to be stopped prematurely due to their brutality.
• The experiment illustrates the concept of deindividuation, where individuals lose their sense of individuality and personal responsibility within a group setting.

Deindividuation & Discursive Anonymity

• Deindividuation occurs when people feel less accountable and self-aware in a group setting.
• Discursive anonymity refers to the perceived anonymity experienced by individuals in online environments, where their real-world identities are often obscured.

Social Presence Theory & Social Presence

• Social presence theory proposes that the more cues to social presence (e.g., visual, auditory, and nonverbal feedback) available in a communication medium, the greater the feeling of closeness and connection between participants.
• Social presence refers to the perceived "psychological closeness" or intimacy between individuals in a communication setting.

Feeling Safe Online

• The anonymity and lack of direct physical interaction online can create a feeling of safety and security for some users.
• This feeling can lead to more open and honest communication, but it can also contribute to the disinhibition effect and potential for harmful or hurtful behavior.

Hyperpersonal Model & Behavior

• The hyperpersonal model proposes that online communication can sometimes be more intimate and revealing than face-to-face interaction.
• This can occur because individuals can strategize their online presentations and self-disclosures, idealizing their personas and experiences.
• It can lead to more positive impressions and stronger relationships than might be possible offline, but also to deception and unrealistic expectations.

Trends in Anonymity

• The increasing use of personalized algorithms and data collection practices is blurring the lines between anonymity and transparency online.
• Individuals are increasingly faced with the dilemma of managing their online identities and privacy in a world where information is readily tracked and shared.
• Social media platforms have become more vigilant in verifying user identities and combating the spread of misinformation, leading to a decline in anonymity for some users.

Targeted Advertising & Facebook's Changes

• Targeted advertising uses data about users' online activity to deliver personalized ads.
• Facebook initially required users to provide their real names and information, but has since relaxed those requirements.
• This change reflects a shift toward a more personalized and data-driven approach to online interaction.

Social Influencers & Strategies

• Social influencers leverage their online presence to influence consumer behavior and promote brands or products.
• They often cultivate an authentic and relatable persona that resonates with their audience.
• Strategies used by influencers include creating engaging content, building relationships with their followers, and partnering with brands to promote products or services.

Major Shift in the Early 2000s

• In the early 2000s, the widespread adoption of social media platforms led to a significant shift in how individuals interact and share information online.
• This shift was characterized by a greater emphasis on social connections, shared experiences, and the construction of online identities.

Explore the characteristics of the interaction society, where technology facilitates instant communication and blurs the lines between public and private lives. Delve into the theories of Mead and Weber, highlighting their perspectives on social interaction and the influence of media on society.