Misperceptions Due to Mediated Forms of Communication

Misperceptions due to Mediated forms of Communication

American Sentinel University

RN - BSN

COM412

Vanessa Leonard

11-10-2011

Abstract

This paper explains the misperception or conflict that can arise due to mediated forms of communication.  It is much more difficult medium through which we can convey feelings and meanings behind ideas which creates a possibility of misinterpretation.  Now it is so popular that teenagers and young adults use some kind of social networking and communications with their friends and family on the regular basis.  It is true that people belong to all generations use internet or other mediated forms of communications to certain level and members are increasing every day.  And it also focuses on the influences on perception affecting those mediated forms of communication by various examples.

Key words: Mediated forms of communication, misperception, conflict,

Mediated forms of Communication:

        Mediated communication is “Communication that involves a process by which a message or communication is transmitted via some form or medium. Pavlik and McIntosh. (2004). Mediated communication.  In Mediated forms of communication. Retrieved 11/7/2011, from http://www.kaschassociates.com/101web/EX1%20MDT%20what%20is%20mediated.htm. Even though there are lots of advantages such as being valuable and essential tool to keep in touch with friends, family, coworkers and loved ones, calling someone for help in an emergency,   there is possibility for misperception due to mediated forms of communication.

The ways in which messages are sent through mediated forms of communications are,

Email, internet, Facebook and other social networking, telephone, telegraph, blogs etc.

        The aim of this paper is to focus on misperceptions or conflict that can arise due to mediated forms of communication.  I personally and professionally do not have much experience due to misperception.  But there is a possibility to have lots of misunderstanding since, it would lead to impersonal and task oriented relationship.  It filters out the nonverbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, touch, tone, body posture when we exchange messages.  Overall it is emotionless and impersonal.  Because it tends to filter the nonverbal cues people tend to build a wrong image about their online friends or partners, imagining them being smart, and sexy.  These things can go wrong.

Example of a personal Experience due to social network misperception:

        I had a friend name Annie who is 31 years old, 4 feet 9 inches tall, who is a dialysis patient, does home dialysis herself every day and waiting for the kidney transplant.  She met an online partner Nathan who is about the same age, 6 feet tall and in a good physical condition. They both were very good online friends forever and Nathan wanted to meet her in person. Annie tried to avoid the situation because she did not tell her story to Nathan.  Unfortunately, they both met each other, but Nathan was very shocked to see Annie and he left the place.  They are not friends anymore.  But Annie is now married to a wonderful husband who is willing to donate his kidney for her.