“When you meet someone who you can see is hearing impaired, you tend to compensate (sometimes too much) for the mismatch between your ‘communicative systems’ – speech and hearing on both parts. But if you cannot see that the person you are emailing is using a low resolution, slower older computer running a simple ASCII text email program, then you tend to forget that there are such users out there and do not compensate. There are many differences between computers and computer users, but we tend to forget them when, positioned in front of our own computers, we are able to communicate rapidly and - apparently – effectively across time and distance.
One can see this effect most clearly in some websites that have been developed by people with more powerful / different computers to others. Screen sizes and resolutions, for example, differ widely between Macintoshes and PCs and the effect can sometimes be seen in websites that require too large a screen or assume too small a screen as the only possibility
The daily practice of electronic communication is shaped by over-familiarity with one’s own communication is shaped by over-familiarity with one’s own computer system, and a tendency to assume that – as with much more established forms of communication – everyone is operating within compatible and similar systems. When in doubt seek to communicate in ways that are readable and effective for all users, regardless of their particular systems. "(Allen, n.d.)
This concept can be observed in many areas of communication. For example a person’s world view, which is largely influenced by their culture and previous life experiences, can impact greatly on the way they interpret information and thus impede affective communication. When communicating with different people it is not always known what culture this person is from and what other aspects of their life have influenced their world view. Someone who has experienced poverty would probably see poverty as being unable to supply the necessities of life. Someone who has led an affluent lifestyle may interpret poverty to mean not being able to afford luxury items. The internet however seems to exacerbate this problem as it brings with it not only traditional communication problems, but also problems with browser and program compatibility, and user capability.
I first considered this concept when I completed Module two of internet communications (Curtin University, n.d.) Where it discusses a users possible difficulty with opening an attachment in an email due to formatting differences. This led me to consider my reluctance to open attachments in my personal emails. I am more likely to just read the content of an email, (not attempt open the attachment) and then delete it. Probably due to my concern over internet security. I am often emailed advertising material, mostly containing attachments with colourful catalogue like displays. These advertisers are unaware of my reluctance to open attachments. They are unable to see that I am an inexperienced internet user, obsessed with my computers security. Perhaps if they were to consider the reluctance of customers like myself to open attachments they may include more information in the email body itself.
The theory behind this concept is evident when we consider security programs and parental controls. These programs inhibit user’s ability to access certain content. These programs are very useful; however there is the possibility that they may restrict access to sites that are legitimate. Although these programs can be bypassed by the user, some users would avoid the site or email altogether, concerned about their internet security. Web designers and email writers are generally unaware of what restrictions are placed on particular individual users browsers resulting in a need for them to consider what controls users of their site or email may have, and design or write messages accordingly.
Invisibility of difference will continue to be a concept that all internet users consider. Differences in people’s means of accessing the internet as a result of inconsistent, socioeconomic situations, will continue to result in a wide variety of browsers being used. The efforts of browser manufacturers to attain a larger share of their market will continue to result in browsers rapidly becoming obsolete. As time goes on people requiring new systems will either choose to buy new technology or technology which is outdated, resulting in differences in compatibility.
Site 1 : Cross Browser and Cross Platform Issues / http://www.devx.com/projectcool/Article/19953/1954?pf=true
This article explains the differences in web browsers and why web designers should consider these differences. The page suggests ways to implement solutions to browser variations and enhance user experience. The purpose of this page is to inform and assist web designers. There is no mention of an author. Devx is a company with advertising on it’s home page but all advertising appears to be from reputable companies. Its home page was updated in May 2009. There is a page containing information about the company listing an award given and a testimonial. I consider the page has achieved it’s objective and consider it to be a credible source of information.
Site 2: Advertising across cultures: Interpretations of Visually Complex Advertising./ http://search.ebscohost.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=21722765&site=ehost-live
This article discusses how cultural differences affects consumer understanding in advertising and underlines my theory that cultural differences are related the concept of ‘invisibility of difference”. (Allen, n.d.) A company wishing to advertise a product on television has no guarantee that the person who is viewing the advertisement has the same cultural background as they do. Thus presenting a need for advertisers and communicators in general to consider variations in views world views in order to maximise communication effectiveness.
The authors of this article Sandy Bulmer and Margo Buchanan-Oliver are both university lecturers in Marketing. The article featured in the Journal of Current Issues and Research in Advertising in 2006 indicating that the article was written recently. I consider this to be a credible source of information.
Bibliography
Allen, M (n.d.). Net11 The Internet – Communications, Internet Communications Concepts Document. Curtin University of Technology. Retrieved on April 16, 2006 from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/portal/
Curtin University of Technology (n.d.).Net11 The Internet – Communications, Study Area, Module 2 Communicating in the infosphere, Retrieved April 16, 2009, from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/
Devx (n.d.). Cross Browser and Cross Platform Issues. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from http://www.devx.com/projectcool/Article/19953/1954?pf=true
Devx (2009). About: Devx . Retrieved May 18, 2009, from http://www.devx.com/DevXNet/Door/28826
Devx (2009). Retrieved May 18, from http://www.devx.com/
Bulmer S. and Buchanan-Oliver, M (2006). Advertising across cultures: Interpretations of Visually Complex Advertising. Journal of Current Issues and Research in Advertising, 1(28). Retrieved May 17, 2009, from ebsco data base http://search.ebscohost.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=21722765&site=ehost-live
Concept 23: Human-computer interfaces
“The Internet was originally designed to enable humans to instruct computers to act at a distance. The Internet still has this capacity: thus, we begin to see the emergence of a cultural sensibility in which the hard and fast distinctions between humans and computers as different kinds of ‘communicating devices’ breads down. Telnet and similar functions on the Internet are different to programming and interacting with a computer on your desktop because you can’t physically see the computer at the other end of the connection.
This phenomenon has been exploited, for fun and research, by artificial intelligence programmers and language program developers. In one famous case, a ‘bot’ (robot) called Julia was developed (essentially a sophisticated program) that could, via IRC, fool people for at least a little while into believing it was a real human. It has been said that this example proves more about the lack of communication skills of humans than the abilities of computers.
The Internet lessens the recognition of difference between humans andInteracting with websites feels similarly impersonal or, more subtly, further indicates the extent to which humans readily accept the presence of machine-like ‘intelligence’ in their lives.” (Allen, n.d.)
computers because, at a distance, it is often feels similar to communicate and act on the Internet regardless of whether one is speaking with a human or a machine.
The blurring of the line between computers and humans is evident when we consider the use of computer generated worlds accessed via the internet. In this world users create a character to control and converse with other user’s characters. It is difficult for some users however to remember that although they are interacting via a computer they are conversing with a human. Many users therefore feel comfortable testing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour in this forum thinking that they are not hurting anyone. They do not consider the possibility that the person they are interacting with may be emotionally affected by their actions.
This concept is also evident in many areas of customer service in today’s businesses. From self serve checkouts at supermarkets to automated telephone communication, machines now occupy many positions previously held by humans. This form of automation has several benefits such as cost saving for employers and relieving people of mundane jobs. However this service also comes with it’s problems. Customers unfamiliar with the programs used to automate the service may become confused, especially when the option they require is not listed or not easy to find. Sometimes even the help options on these services are difficult to comprehend. Other times the customer’s request may be interpreted as unrecognizable, for example if the person has an accent and is using an automated telephone service. This can result in customer dissatisfaction and a risk of loss of business. Another problem is that many customers enjoy the social interaction provided by friendly staff.
Many businesses today have a website. Customers can gain product and service information by navigating through the website instead of phoning a company and talking to a sales representative. Some people however feel uncomfortable with the use of websites, as they lack the ability to gain personalized service. Most customers would also be aware of problems and issues that have occurred as a result of access to websites that were not credible. Some customers unaware of ways to assess website credibility would prefer to interact with a person so that they are able to get a general impression of the person’s character and decide if they want to deal with them.
During my studies I have came across this concept when I performed the telnet task listed in Module 1. (Curtin University, n.d.) I was required to access Deakin university library computer information from my own computer to search it’s data base. This process would have in the past been performed by a librarian. Being unfamiliar with programs of this type I was at first apprehensive. However after I understood what to do I was amazed at how easy and quick it was to obtain a result.
With the introduction of games like nintindo wii fit, the use of ‘human- computer interfaces’ (Allen, n.d.) will undoubtedly become more popular. In this game the user performs a number of exercises under the direction of a computer generated trainer who offers advice and encouragement based on results collected from the platform on which the user stands. Nintendo appears to have aimed its marketing of this game, at people who are older and therefore less likely to be familiar with these types of programs. I think the more that people use this form of technology the more people will accept the presence of ‘human-computer interfaces’(Allen, n.d.) in their lives. In the article Exploring Uses’ Experience of the Web, Barry Brown and Abigail Sellen when discussing user’s experiences with online shopping state, “users have concerns with security and privacy, although these concerns seem to change as users become more experienced with shopping on the web.”
Site 1: SOCIAL TRUST AND E- COMMERCE: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FOR THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL TRUST ON INDIVIDUALS’ ECONOMIC BEHAVIOR / http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?did=924411931&sid=4&Fmt=3&clientld=22212&RQT=309&VName=PQD
This article discusses the relationship between our trust of each other and the impact this has on or buying behaviour. It makes comment on the relationship that customers have in the past established with store workers via face to face communication. Under the heading of “E-Commerce and Risk” (Mutz, n.d.) it discusses how in general people tend to be more trusting of buying from a conventional shop rather than on line. This supports my theory that some customers prefer to purchase goods face to face with a sales person so as to gauge their credibility rather than using online marketing.
The author of this article is a Professor of Political Science and Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. I consider this to be a credible source of information.
Site 2: My avatar, my self: Virtual harm and attachment / http://springerlink.metapress.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/content/262271178076gw2h/?p=315c8837903f4d1694d4e3730ecebb40&pi=0
In this article the author discusses the relationship which develops between a user and their avatar and their subsequent feelings when their virtual characters are harmed in this virtual world. She talks about some users having difficulty understanding why they feel anguish when their avatar is attacked or violated. She concludes by putting forward the idea that avatar attachment needs to be treated as we do other more traditional forms of attachment (Wolfendale,2007) . This paper supports my comments on user’s being emotionally affected by these kinds of programs. The author of this paper was written for the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics at the University of Melbourne, Victoria. I consider it a credible source of information.
Bibliography
Allen, M (n.d.). Net11 The Internet – Communications, Internet Communications Concepts Document. Curtin University of Technology. Retrieved on April 16, 2006 from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/portal/
Curtin University of Technology (n.d.).Net11 The Internet – Communications, Study Area, Module 1 introduction to Internet Communications, Retrieved March 16, 2009, from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/
Brown, B. Sellen, A. (n.d.). Exploring users’ experiences of the Web. First Monday (Online), 6 (9). Retrieved May 20, 2009 from http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/882
Mutz, D. (n.d.). SOCIAL TRUST AND E- COMMERCE: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FOR THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL TRUST ON INDIVIDUALS’ ECONOMIC BEHAVIOR. Public Opinion Quarterly, 69 (3), 393-416. Retrieved May 19, 2009, from ProQuest Social Science Journals database. (Document ID: 924411931) http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?did=924411931&sid=4&Fmt=3&clientld=22212&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Wolfendale, J. (2007) : My avatar, my self: Virtual harm and attachment. Ethics and Information Technology, 9(2). Retrieved May 19, 2009, from http://springerlink.metapress.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/content/262271178076gw2h/?p=315c8837903f4d1694d4e3730ecebb40&pi=0
Concept 26: Privacy and Security
"The Internet's great strength is its openness. It would not flourish, nor work effeciently if it did not encourage people to share material, and to identify themselves for the purposes of networking people as well as computers. However as a consequence, Internet users are vulnerable to various threats. They are, principally:
- viruses or other malicious programs, sent as attachments (most common) or as part of mail messages that contain HTML (growing in occurrence) or as files via real-time communictions (also common) channels, or within pages served to a web browser (rare but possible
- offensive, objectionable or unwanted content (generally known as SPAM), almost always via email but also through messaging systems
- the collection of personal data that is used either to further in the previous two problems or for other malicious or commercial ends.
But advanced internet users know that even without resortring to extensive and complex methods involving encryption, secure networks and the like (most of which are expensive, time-consuming and require detailed technical assistance), they can protect temselves by carefully guarding their personal data and only ever giving out informaion when absolutely necessary. Even then it is possible to subvert the system. For example at a website where you are registering for a free email newsletter, you might be asked your email address and some personal data for marketing. Obviously your mail address must be given - but you can set up an anonymous account with hotmail or similar free mail provider and use that instead. Your personal details (age, location, gender etc) can be falsified.
Privacy and security has always been a concern to many people but in the age of the internet its importance has increased dramatically. Prior to the explosion in the popularity of the internet a person’s privacy was easier to maintain. It is easy for internet users to become complacent about privacy, choosing to put things on the internet that they consider to be of no consequence.With the flow of information between businesses today, it is now rare for information to remain in one location. Information whether personal or not, is placed on the net by these companies and regardless of their intensions, may be intercepted by other individuals as it makes it’s way to it’s intended destination. Many sites that require information from users contain security measures however this is no guarantee that security will not be breeched. It is important to consider what information is placed on the internet and where it is placed.The Interet is a profound 'open' system and advaced Internet
useres are cautious about either accepting or sending material from and to unknown sources and a careful in releasing information about themselves in any form. Conceptually, the Internet challenges us to take greater responsibility for trhe protectiojn of privacy and security than perhaps we are used to when dealing with the media."(Allen n.d.)
Opening attachments in emails is one area of particular concern. It is a space where an inexperienced user may feel secure, thinking that it is a personal space specifically for their own use. Emails, even those forwarded by friends, can unknowingly contain material that will be detrimental to a computers performance as discussed in module 2 of the Net 11 unit text (Curtin University, n.d.)
The emergence of social networking sites has resulted in many users displaying photos and stories that the subject in the material may not want to be shown. Thus an individual’s privacy is taken out of their own hands and they become reliant on other people to respect their privacy and act accordingly. Unfortunately this has not always been the case. The sheer scale of the internet’s popularity can impacted on our privacy before we even turn on our browsers. The internet is a wonderful tool providing many applications; however it is important for users to consider their own privacy and security issues, as well as those of others.
The internet is a complex medium which can make the user feel very venerable especially those with little experience. There are many security programs available which provide barriers to security problems however I am yet to hear of a program which guarantees one hundred percent reliability. The constant stream of individuals attempting to access other users’ information has resulted in the failure of computer security programs to keep up. I consider the best way to protect our privacy and security is to keep it foremost in our minds as we use the internet, and to encourage others to consider our privacy and security as well.
Site 1: A Tangled World Wide Web of Security Issues / http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/935/857
This article discusses the complexity of security programs and makes comment on future strategies. It suggests that many security problems could be overcome by users acquiring more information about products available and issues that may be encountered as well as remaining “security conscious”( Claessens, Prenell and Vadewalle, 2002). It also makes reference to the absence of “perfect security” (Claessens, Prenell and Vadewalle, 2002). This article was written in 2002. Although technology has progressed greatly since then I still consider these remarks to be applicable to today’s internet environment. The Authors are from the Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography. This body is associated with the Katholieke University.
Site 2: A (My) Space of One’s Own: On Privacy and Online Social Networks / http://www.law.northwestern.edu/journals/njtip/v6/n1/4/
This site discusses privacy issues associated with online social Networking sites. It discusses the uses of these sites and also makes mention of these sites being used by people for malicious purposes. This site supports my suggestion that it is important for people to consider the privacy and security of others before posting on these sites. This article was written in 2007 so the issues it raises are still relevant. It was presented in the Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property.
Bibliography
Allen, M (n.d.). Net11 The Internet – Communications, Internet Communications Concepts Document. Curtin University of Technology. Retrieved on April 16, 2006 from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/portal/
Curtin University of Technology (n.d.).Net11 The Internet – Communications, Study Area, Module2 Communicating in the Infoshere., Retrieved March 16, 2009, from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/
Claessens, J Prenell, B and Vadewalle, J.(2002) A Tangled World Wide Web of Security Issues. First Monday (On Line), 7 (3). Retrieved May 18, 2009, from http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/935/857
Abril, P. (2007) A (My) Space of One’s Own: On Privacy and Online Social Networks. Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property. 6 (1). Retrieved May 21, 2009 from http://www.law.northwestern.edu/journals/njtip/v6/n1/4/
Consept 22: Public space and regulation
“What we can learn from this history is that public spaces often operate best when there is some form of regulation: who can speak, what sorts of things can be said etc.” (Allen, n.d.)
“One could make similar coments about the vast number of websites: who is regulating all that content to see if it is acceptable, accurate, up-to-date etc. No one is, frankly. Aside from some regulation of ‘obscene’ or “illegal” content in ome countries, the Internet is a very unregulated publishing space.” (Allen, n.d.)
The concept public space and regulation is not new. Whether communication takes place at a rally, in the newspaper or over the internet, people will continue to put ideas in the public domain for others to respond or add to. Some of this communication will be of benefit to society as a whole, some will be of no use at all and considered to be a frustrating waste of time, and occasionally the content of the communication will be of a nature which is unsuitable for dicussing in a public forum. Regulation of public expression is considered by many to be the answer, however the decision to regulate this communication presents it’s own problems.
Throughout history society’s view on what is acceptable communication has continually shifted as a result of many factors including cultural influences, advances in technology and people constantly trying to extend the boundaries. This makes it difficult to decide where regulation limits should be set and who should be given the authority to determine those limits.
Television in Australia is one medium that is regulated by government and the industry’s own Commercial Television Industry code of Practice (Free TV Australia, 2008). This code offers guidance to television broadcastors on what standards society expects to be maintained. This is a comprehensive document covering many aspects of television, including advertising time limits to prevent viewers being bombared with advertising. However some of the documents content is open to individual interpretation. For example when discussing content unsuitable for television it talks about, “Very coarse language that is aggressive and very frequent; “(Free TV Australia, 2008). In my opinion there have been a number of television programs aired in recent months that would fall into this category, however due to conflicting world views that exist in todays society many people would not agree.
When thinking about this concept in relation to the internet, the first thing that comes to mind is the need to protect the venerable people in our community from content which is not appropriate for them to access. I believe the fedral governments proposal to filter the content of the internet in Australia to be a good idea. I understand that many internet users are opposed to this. It was suggested on the ABC television program Q and A that this regulation restricts freedom of speech and that it is a partent’s responsibility to ensure child safty on the net (2009). This is true but can society justify not shielding those who need to be protected by claiming that we all have the right to say whatever we want to say? I am concerned about children who are not informed about the dangers which exist.
During this unit I was prompted to consider this concept when I visited the W3C website to validate my html web page. WC3 considers it’s mission to be, “To lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web” (Ian Jacobs, 2008). Although these protocols and guidelines are not mandatory they offer some guidance as to direction for any future regulation focusing mainly on making the web a more user friendly medium.
Site 1: The Dark Side of Cyberspace / http://con.sagepub.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/cgi/content/abstract/5/4/42
In this article the author discusses the need to protect children from content on the internet. He puts forward the roles of government, industry and parents in child protection and makes mention of the difficulty of determining what is appropriate and what is not, as a result of cultural differences. A suggestion is also made about giving children a voice and asking them what they think is appropriate. After considerable effort I was unable to find much information on this author other than he has contributed to numerous publications.
Site 2: Positioning the Public Library in the Modern State: The Opportunity of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) / http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/873/782
In this article the author discusses the issue of regulating internet access at public libraries in the United States. She makes mention of the restrictions this would result in with regards to user’s wanting to access respectable sites and discusses the difficulties she would have with deciding who should gain full access for study (as is provided by the CIPA). These subjects are related to the ones I have discussed above. The author is a practicing librarian and is a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois. I consider this would make her well placed to comment on this issue.
Bibliography
Allen, M (n.d.). Net11 The Internet – Communications, Internet Communications Concepts Document. Curtin University of Technology. Retrieved on April 16, 2006 from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/portal/
Curtin University of Technology (n.d.).Net11 The Internet – Communications, Study Area, Module 3 Contributing to the Infosphere, Retrieved April 27, 2009, from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/
Free TV Australia, (2008). Revised Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice. Retrieved May 9, 2009, from http://www.freetvcom.au/Content_Common/pg-Code-of-Practice.seo
Jacobs, I. (2008). About the World Wide Web consortium(W3C), Retrieved April 27,2009 from http://www.w3.org/Consortium
Latham, J. (2001) Positioning the Public Library in the Modern State: The Opportunity of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) First Monday [Online], Volume 6 Number7. Retrieved 1 May, 2009 from http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/873/782
Oswell, D.(1999 )The Dark Side of Cyberspace. The International Journal of Research into New Media Technology. .5 (4). 42-62. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from http://con.sagepub.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/cgi/content/abstract/5/4/42
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