First Assignment: Response

“Does it matter if an interaction occurs face to face? Why? What suppositions do you bring to bear in thinking about this question?”

 

The importance of face-to-face interaction is an increasingly popular topic in the new generation.  The use of Internet, telephones, and other technology has started to put face-to-face interaction on the back burner.  The use of conference calls, chat rooms, and videoconference has allowed convenience and effectiveness in many aspects of people’s lives. So what do we get from face-to-face interaction? Why do we need face-to-face interaction?

 

Richard Rushton’s "What Can a Face Do?" explores this question, and discusses the meaning of facial expressions and their representations.  Rushton states, “the face represents or expresses the inner feelings of a person; it expresses something that is hidden behind the face, yet there is something in the appearance of a face (on the face) that allows access to what is hidden beneath” (p. 219).  I agree with Rushton’s statement; there is more to a conversation than just the words spoken.  Body language and facial expressions are useful for getting points across and help leave a better understand of what is being said.  Misinterpretation is very common among online communication, and even on the phone. 

 

A relevant example of how face-to-face interaction serves as a better form of communication is our first day of class.  There was a great amount of confusion amongst the students in the classroom about what Professor Dean’s blog was asking of us.  As a group we turned to one particular student who happened to set up the screen and pull up the website, just because she was the face of someone who took action and appeared in charge.  Then as a class we waited for someone to arrive, until she announced that the Professor was not attending Tuesday’s class.  In comparison to my other classes and professors, I left that room with many more questions and concerns on what was expected of us, and what was to come throughout the rest of the semester.  For now, my questions will wait until Thursday, when I meet the face of Professor Dean