Knapp's Relational Model

I have a dear friend, also named Matt, that I have been friends with for about 10 years. Today we share a symmetrical relationship that is still developing in Knapp’s bonding stage, though there has been significant differentiation over the years. Interestingly, something quite unique for our relationship, it is largely the differentiation between us that keeps us in the bonding stage. Similarly, it is the incredible symmetry between us that makes the differentiation valuable, almost as if the differences were a currency in our interpersonal communication. And because we both have families, academic pursuits, and careers, online communication has become a staple for our interpersonal communications.

Without online communication Matt and I would almost certainly have regressed into Knapp’s stagnating stage long ago. We’re just too busy, our schedules might allow one in-persona visit every month or two. Under such circumstances there is no time for relationship maintenance, let alone building after the initiation stage. 

 

Consequently, asynchronous communication through email has allowed us to develop a unique relationship to us both; we amass topics, ideas, or theories, and send them to each other spontaneously with the understanding that there probably will not be a response. The responses are largely saved for our in-person meetings in which we tease apart the nuances of our differences. While this format for a relationship is unique to both of us, we have both noted how valuable it is to each of us. Additionally, the value of our relationship has manifests perfectly to Knapp’s theory, as we have enjoyed countless dinners, concerts, and other public events together. And true to both the Media Multiplicity and Knapp’s theories, our relationship is maintained and enhanced through online communication. It is true that the initiating-through-integrating stages for Matt and I took place in person, but the sharing of email addresses that enhanced our relationship to its current value.     

[Over]sharing Online

 

Discussion - [Over]sharing Online 

 

As we all know, communicating online is complex and can be both positive and detrimental to the individual, depending on use and intent. But why would a seemingly simplified version of communication be negative in any way? Online communication is complicated because human communication is complicated. As a species we evolved to rely on visual cues for interpretation, such as body language and facial expressions, both of which are absent in the vast majority of online communications. The deficiency of important non-audible cues can easily cause misinterpretation at any level of communication online, which leads to miscommunications and potentially negative repercussions within meaningful interactions. Similarly, online communication offers a certain sense of anonymity or separation from the people we are communicating with. These altered factors of communication develop into an uncanny environment void of accountability, resulting in negative altercations, but more importantly, avoiding communicative growth. Because online communication is so different from in-person communication, there affects, too, are cognitively different for the user. Consequently, no quantity of “friends”, “likes”, or “karma” can effectively or permanently improve mental health for the user, nor can it fill the entirety of social needs for our social species.

Despite the many potential negative aspects of online communication, and especially those aspects associated with social media, online communication tools are just that, tools. The individual’s use and intent of those tools can largely determine the qualitative outcome of their interactions. To that point, a healthy knowledge of communication influences both intent and use. For instance, understanding that online communication is distinct from in-person communication lets the user understand that the tool has limited or specific applications, thereby helping the user avoid accidental miscommunications. Likewise, the intent of the user is equally impacted by knowledge of effective communication. If the individual understands that the tools misuse can be detrimental for the mental health of all parties involved, the user’s intent might be altered to account for potential negative outcomes. Last, it appears that if the user understands the five tenants of effective communication, the intent and use of social media is maximized to its potential for that user. In such circumstances networking, opportunities, and relationship maintenance are all enhanced. In summary, online communication is a fantastic tool that when used properly can provide terrific benefits, but when used improperly can cause equally terrific problems. If you are interested in reading about more benefits associated with online communication feel free to look into this article.         

-About Me-

 

-About Me-

Greetings!

My name is Matt and I’m from Hillsboro, Oregon, which is in the NW of Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley. Currently, I live in a small rural community just outside of Aurora, Oregon, with my wife and daughter. I am presently pursuing a bachelor’s in Agricultural Sciences, which I will finish next term. Yay! Following graduation, I will be continuing my graduate research that I started last summer, after which I will be starting my graduate studies in entomology/horticulture. My professional goals include being involved in extension research and outreach. When I’m not studying, working, or spending time with my family, I love to backpack long distances, fish, forage, and just generally enjoy the outdoors. I also love to read books, play music, and learn new and exciting things. An interesting or uncommon fact about myself is that I do not utilize social media in any way, many of my colleagues find that curious. However, I do use email for academic, professional, and personal purposes daily. Yet, because my professional goals include extension outreach, and because online communication is common in my field, I very much look forward to learning all this course has to offer. My previous communication course was Ag 351, communicating agriculture to the public, and my goal for this course is exactly the same as my previous communications course, to absorb as much of the information as possible to enhance my professional and personal life. I look forward to this term and getting to know all of you using interpersonal communications.

Kindly,

Matt