Sunday, February 5, 2012

Communication Problems

Back in my chat room days, I noticed that regular groups of people tended to gather in regular chatrooms at regular times, and all sorts of friendships and groups of friends formed. Two small groups of women seemed to be having some sort of dispute. One of them messaged me, asking me for information on her adversary, promising me a date in return. Undoubtedly she thought her offer was too tempting to refuse.

And so it was. After knowing this lady in the chat room for several months, I met her in person, on a date. I had never even considered asking her out prior to her offer; she seemed a little out of my league. But the date turned out very well, I thought. Altogether we went out about half a dozen times, and spent four to six hours on each date. I thought it all went well, except for one time, when she wanted to drink, and I didn't.

During this time we continued to participate in the chat room, and instant messaging. And the longer this went on, the better we got along in person, and the more difficulties she and I had getting along on the internet. Eventually we stopped dating, even though all the dates were very enjoyable, because of our inability to talk on the internet without arguing.

People seem to speak more bluntly on a keyboard than in person. Chat rooms, which once were so popular, have faded away now, probably because people get along better on facebook than in chatrooms, where angry ugly words were all too common. Perhaps the evolution of internet social networks reflects humankind's desire to improve communication, and avoid conlict. We still have some work to do in that department on a face to face basis.

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