Proof of Learning, Week Two

Easily the most prevalent theme in this weeks readings were online dating. Though, it does not quite do the diversity of this weeks readings justice to simply categorize it under 'online dating': for, assuredly, there was an enlightening, new, and specific topic to be covered in each article. Often times the topics dealt with identity and how we both present ourselves, and perceive others, over a virtual medium. 

One of the first readings was an account of scamming through online dating sites. In these scenarios, a victim is deceived into believing that their interactions with the deviant are in earnest, and that these interactions are forming either a friendship or romantic relationship. Once the victim is ensnared, the scammer will attempt to obtain either direct financial support or information such as credit card numbers, bank codes, or a social security number. Before the victim is aware that he or she is being conned, the thief has usually stolen a great sum of money and assets. One way that the scammer is able to operate with such efficiency is that he or she exploits the natural human desire to be loved and feel appreciated for who they are. (Cuthill, Jon.) The ability of the Internet to mask the other individual contributes to this deceit; such a medium allows the perpetrator to meld their writing styles, sympathies, and intentions to match their victim and make them feel comfortable. Ones initial reaction is that the Internet can be a dangerous place: and that is certainly true. However, as Joel points out, the same desire for intimacy that is exploited online can also be exploited offline. (Online Dating, 5/24 9:09 AM) He points out scams, that have taken place through letters, telephones, and even face-to-face. It is very true that individuals may be taken advantage of in any given situation, and through any medium. The best way to keep safe then seems to be a healthy dose of skepticism for any foreign interactions.

"Down the Rabbit Hole: The Role of Place in the Initiation and Development of Online Relationships” gives us our first real taste of analysis regrading relationship-building online, but outside of dating sites. The article distinguishes online forums that are not dating sites – discussion boards, gaming sites, chat rooms, and newsgroups – as Virtual Communities. (Baker, A. J.) Unlike dating sites, the intention of a VC is not necessarily to develop relationships, but to discuss ideas and partake in some common interest. (Such as a game, reading, cooking, sports, etc.) However, the article also makes note that, often times, relationships do develop in these scenarios, despite the lack of intention; romantic partners and even marriages have been forged within these VCs. (Baker, A. J.) I then posed the question of how much utility these VCs could have in forming personal relationships relative to dating sites. Jeffrey provided some ideas in response to my question, proposing that users of VCs are becoming friends first, and romantic partners second. (Down the Rabbit Hole, 4/26 10:17 AM) In this scenario, Jeffrey hypothesizes that “there can be a higher chance of forming a longer lasing relationship if you know more about the person over a sustained amount of time,” in contrast to a dating sites modus operandi is to stick to people together as fast as possible. To me, this makes sense. VCs appear as a middle-ground between dating sites and offline functions: interactions takes place online, but the setting is more casual and geared towards participating in some shared interest or activity. This seems like a more “natural” means of establishing a relationship, because one grows more familiar with their peers by actively learning about their character, personality, and other interests. Here, friendship is spontaneous, not expressly sought after.

In addition to the readings, I have taken steps to improve my writing in several forums. Regarding discussion posts, I have tried to reduce the number of my responses that are contained within my own topics. I noticed that the majority of my posts usually came from responding to people that responded to me, and I gave comparatively little input to other people. In an effort to more directly engage other posters I have tried to split my posts more evenly, usually by responding to an individuals first post on the topic, where I try to develop questions and expand on what they have said.

The SparkLix, note-taking genre has also been considered, though not as well as I would have liked. I am usually not a big electronic note taker, at least in so far as expanding beyond merely taking down information in the source. For example, in the first few readings of the class, my notes were usually just individual facts, statements, and statistics from the article or video. For the second week of readings, I have tried to impart more of my thought process and own ideas that spring forth into the notes; I also made mention of discussion posts on the topic that may have brought to light new ideas or a different perspectives.

In the Proof of Learning genre, I have tried to (as can be seen here) give more weight to our discussion posts, by including references and input from my classmates, and expanding on how their contributions have influenced the totality of the topic in my mind.

References

Baker, A. J. (2008). Down the rabbit hole: The role of place in the initiation and development of online relationships. In A. Barak (Ed.), Psychological aspects of cyberspace: Theory, research, applications (pp. 163-184). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Cuthill, Jon. "BBC News - Victims of Web Dating Scams Lose Thousands of Pounds." BBC - Homepage. BBC, 13 Feb. 2011. Web. 29 May 2011. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12442415>. 

Discussion Posts. Cited in text.