Thing 11

There are some likes and dislikes when considering to communicate through blogging. I like the "delayed response" that allows a person to think before they speak- this can lead to more thoughtful conversations. Also, I like the anonymity. In a normal person-to-person conversation, whether you like it or not, each of you are prejudging based on many other forms of communication: body language, choices in apparel, eye contact, etc. At the same time, I dislike being tied to a computer for long periods of time. Tending a blog or reading through long lists of blogs could lead to the need for a chiropractor in the near future.

I believe blogs came into existence for one reason: People need validation. Maslow's heirarchy of needs states that respect by self and others leads to confidence and achievement. I can hear the music playing, "...People, who need people..." Barbara was right.

It would be an interesting lab to see how students respond to others' comments about their ideas and statements. Since I deal with kids moving into the "egocentric" stage, I will predict they will not take contradictions kindly and will defend their positions fiercely. Kids with low self-esteem may not fair well at all with this form of communication. It is a harsh world out there.