Blog Post #4 - Lauren Petrucci
For this weeks blog post I would like to reiterate the topic that was covered throughout the midterm - Plato and Socrates critique of writing. Plato and Socrates argue that intimacy and authenticity of communication is only valid when it is spoken, not when it is written down. They believe that effective communication comes from when we exchange information out loud in order for the message to be understood properly, since written information can be easily distorted and manipulated, making the message hard to follow along with. We can relate their critique of writing into today's social media platforms. Certain users on social media platforms use their account in order to spread information based off their interests and beliefs, such as politicians, which can also be used in a negative way. The negative aspect of this is that it creates bias and false information in order to persuade one into believing certain information hoping it will influence them into believing what they want. This has caused several issues, specifically on the social media platform Twitter. Plato and Socrates believed that in order for the information that you are receiving to be entirely true, it must be a conversation that is held in person, so that both parties do not misinterpret the underlying message. When looking at today's society, the majority communicate through the online web to discuss certain subject matters - is that necessarily a good thing?
Hey, I enjoyed reading your post and I found it very interesting. I am curious what Plato would think of today's society and how the written word is employed, especially over social media. He believed that a problem with written text is that it is alienated from the speaker. If it is misunderstood or questioned, it is unable to explain itself to the reader, leading to the issues that you mentioned. With Twitter, for example, users are able to challenge others on their statements and reiterate and explain their own tweets. Do you think Plato would appreciate this form of the written word or do you think his opinion would remain the same?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post, I enjoyed reading it. While Plato and Socrates take an extreme view in regards to solely communicating information- which I agree with to some extent, online communication isn't necessarily a bad thing. Undeniably, content and opinions can become misconstrued under certain circumstances, however, social media communication still maintains the ability to send messages anytime and anywhere, which is what in-person communication lacks.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! In Platos Phaedrus there is an emphasis on Socrates belief that writing is not an effective of communication. Socrates believes that writing is soulless and a medium that weakens the mind.
ReplyDeleteI believe Socrates does make a point, in terms of how face-to-face communication is more effective than written word communication as it is easier to pick up on body language/nonverbal cues of the person you are conversing with.
In regards to your question, I would not say online written communication is a bad thing. I would say it is a good thing as it provides easy connectivity, it is instant, has emojis to enhance emotions and it is simple. However, there can and is a lot of miscommunication online, perception of messages can be misinterpreted, and false information can be instantly spread. As long as you are aware of online communications faults and limitations I think it is a good method of communication.