Hyperpersonal Communication

Robert Liberge

CAS 283 Lab

Mr. Frank Stec

September 30, 2014

Hyperpersonal Communication

      During the first week of an Online CMC class, a class was divided into groups of 2 to 3 students and asked to complete a project regarding online dating. The only information given to the student thus far is about their fellow classmates. This information came from their discussion board posts where each student was asked to describe themselves. Choosing individuals to be a part of a particular students group will not be an easy task given that most are unfamiliar with each other. The student can choose from two options:

            A     Review each individual’s looks/personal interests (music, sports, etc.)

B   Read each individual’s description post

C   Contact a few classmates and listen to their thoughts and ideas

     According to the definition of hyperpersonal communication using option A or B provides you with a higher chance of receiving false information. On the other hand choosing option C, the direct communication route, you are lowering your risk of false information by gathering direct intellect from your classmates on a more personal level. Hyperpersonal communication is a type of communication utilized commonly in today’s communication environment but leaves room for interpretation and false information.  

    Over the past couple of weeks the class has discussed the four factors involved in hyperpersonal communication. Professor Jackson stated, “These four factors allow media communication [to be] more socially desirable than Ftf interaction.” Although hyperpersonal communication is more desirable, it is not as beneficial as Ftf. The four factors are described as the sender, receiver, channel and feedback loop. The two factors I focus on in this paper are the sender and receiver. However within the discussion of these two factors I will focus more on the negative aspects rather than the positive.

    The “sender” perspective allows for an online user to self-present him or her in any way that is beneficial to the sender. This means sometimes the information can be exaggerated or simply false. The sender can generate as much information as they feel necessary including age, weight, , gender, interests, education, job history, etc. The problem is that any information can be altered to please the sender and to make them sound as desirable as possible. There is no way to check or verify any of the information the sender inputs. As everyone is quickly learning all of the information entered into or onto the internet puts you at risk. By placing information online you may be allowing anyone who is capable of viewing this information the opportunity to utilize that information for the receiver’s benefit or other purposes.

   The “receiver” can view any information given by the sender and must determine whether to believe any or all of the information presented. This can sometimes lead to negative or unrealistic impressions of the sender by the receiver. This level of uncertainty brings with it a great deal of suspicion and a high level of the unknown. Depending on the level of trust the receiver has regarding the sender’s information dramatically affects any first meeting the sender and the receiver may have in the future. Sometimes the receiver is relieved when meeting the sender to find that all of the information provided was indeed truthful. Other times the level of disappointment may be very hard to hide or dismiss. Sites such as Facebook, Match.com and LinkedIn allow users to falsify or stretch the truth about them when completing their profiles. Although these types of websites can be untruthful, individuals who utilize these types of media websites may also have positive results. Some find friends they have not seen in years or find job leads and even discover interesting things about people they know well. Unfortunately these sites also allows companies to obtain their information (usually unwanted by most senders) employers to make judgment calls of skill levels based on the information or creates animosity between friends or family based upon the success or daily activities of the senders. 

    I read an article from the Huffington Post a little while ago which described a man named José Zamora. Jose was applying for different positions utilizing online websites.  José told the Post that he was not get any reaction to his information from any of the jobs. As a test of the information and of the receivers of his message Jose manipulated the system by taking the “s” out of his name therefore becoming Joe Zamora. The results were mind-blowing, instant feedback from companies regarding the jobs and his application. This type of manipulation of information by the sender and false impression of information by the receiver is a prime example of the negativity that can be generated without using the personal side of hyperpersonal communication. The companies (the receivers) perceived impression was based solely on Jose’s name and had nothing to do with his skill level or additional information. For whatever reason companies felt his name denoted something about his that was undesirable. Think of the receiver’s surprise when Joe Zamora is asked to interview. A perfect example of how a first meeting that is a result of an online only interaction can cause issues for both the sender (providing false information) and the receiver (thinking the information he has read is truthful).   

   The point I am trying to make is although hyperpersonal connections have some benefits there are many examples of how they can negatively impact both the sender and the receiver’s lives. Nothing will ever replace face-to-face communications. Watching someone’s expression, having the ability to look into their eyes, experiencing their personality and physical appearance in person are all vital factors to communication. Hyperpersonal connection allows people to hide behind text, information, pictures and facts that may all be falsely represented. Sometimes the sender is perfectly honest and doesn’t realize they may be sending off a negative feeling such as with Jose. In the instance of Jose it becomes evident that hyperpersonal connection may be a helpful stepping stone or tool utilized in obtaining a job by should not be used as the sole path to success either personally or professionally.