chapter 15~ Question #3

I found the concept of reduced normative social pressure within CMC groups very interesting. I have never really thought about the differences between f3f groups and CMC groups in the social pressure aspect. I myself feel prejudged or extra pressure put on me when I am in a f2f group because often times people (even if they don’t mean to) will make assumptions about others in the group based on their appearance, gender, race. CMC groups eliminate this almost altogether and I also began to think about how people in groups won’t always express their true feelings on a subject or even give ideas and input as much because of the reaction they could get (even if they don’t get a bad reaction, its still nerve racking to speak in groups) And the CMC the pressure is reduced and allows everyone to participate without feeling like they are going to be cut off, interrupted, or completely shut down. Of course members may still not agree with you and your ideas but its not as brash when your reading a message or chatting its not as harsh to read a disagreement or rejection as it is to hear someone say it to your face. Also CMC allows for one to contemplate before responding but with f2f you don’t have as much time to think before you speak and things can get nasty fast.