Last Blog!!!!!

So this is it!  The last blog......:(  Y'all have been a WONDERFUL class!  So much fun in such a small amount of time.  You guys are awesome!!!!  So for our last blog, I thought it would be fitting for everyone to share with each other your favorite memory (assignment, activity, person(s), lecture, etc) of this class.  Whether it was a topic that hit home, or a concept/theory that you related to, an activity that resonates in your mind, or something someone said or did in class, let us know.  Reflection is an important part of learning.

I'll start.  My favorite memory of this semester was when we were doing our Intercultural Communication exercise with the class broken down into 3 distinct cultures interacting with each other.  The "touchy feely huggers" were doing a group hug and Sam stood up to join in the hug when Allison quickly called him out and reminded him that he was not part of that culture and to sit back down.  Hilarious!!! A perfect example of acculturation and how our cultural values change when being exposed to others. 

I'm really gonna miss you guys. 

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do- Blog 11

Break ups are usually messy. Your book doesn't talk about all of the tug-of-wars that happen after dissolution. (Getting back together over and over, trying to be "friends", jealousy when you see them with someone new, etc.) During this time, it's difficult to know when the relationship is completely over and it's time to move on. Share with us your thoughts and experiences on this whole "after the dissolution" phase. How do you know when it's REALLY over? When do you stop trying to rekindle the fire? When do you know that you're ready to move on?

How Much Communication Is Too Much? Blog 9

Researchers looking at the impact of Facebook on relationships among college students found that the use of Facebook increased jealousy between friends and those in a relationship.  They identified four themes that contributed to increased jealousy.  They are as follows:

- Accessibility of information: Increased info about the interactions of significant others lead to increased monitoring and jealousy for 19.1% of participants

- Relationship jealousy: 16.2% of respondents were explicitly linked to Facebook use contributing to jealousy

- Facebook as an addiction: 10.3% of participants had major difficulty limiting the amount of time he or she looked at his or her partner’s Facebook profile.

- Lack of context: 7.4% of respondents referenced how Facebook can be ambiguous and that, without context, jealousy can be spurred over misunderstandings.

How do you think the use of technology has impacted interpersonal communication in the past 5-10 years?  Whether it be phones, texting, email, instant messaging, skype, social media, etc., has technology helped or hindered our interpersonal communication with others?  Please support your view with an example.   

Are 3 Heads Really Better Than One? Blog 8

The term Groupthink was coined by social psychologist Irving Janis (1972). It is when a group makes faulty decisions because group pressures lead to a deterioration of “mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment”.  Groups affected by groupthink ignore alternatives and tend to take irrational actions that dehumanize other groups. A group is especially vulnerable to groupthink when its members are similar in background, when the group is insulated from outside opinions, and when there are no clear rules for decision making. It is like peer pressure on steriods.

Share another example of Groupthink in action that you know from history, personal experience or observation. Because we are social beings, we are all prone to Groupthink. What might we do to prevent becoming prey to the power of Groupthink?

Diversity In The Workplace- Blog 7

Studies show that 52% of people perfer to work with people like themselves. This begs the question, "What about diversity in the workplace?" Since most of us cannot choose who we will have to communicate with at work, how do we navigate through the complexities of a multicultural workplace? The top 4 diversity issues that cause problems are:

1. Language Differences
2. Differences in Values and Etiquette
3. Tone of voice
4. "Clustering" (hanging out with others from similar backgrounds)

Post an example of how a difference in one of these areas has caused a misunderstanding due to diversity. Offer some suggestions on how you think communication between people from diverse backgrounds can relate better to each other.

How to Keep Going- Blog 6

Studies have shown that couples that have been together for a long time display the following behaviors towards each other.  Which one do you think is the most important and why.  Give us a brief example.

1) PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIORS-politeness, avoiding criticism, compromise, self-sacrifice

2) CEREMONIAL BEHAVIORS- remember and celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

3) COMMUNICATION BEHAVIORS- calling just to say “how are you”, open and honest discussions, resolving conflicts in a positive manner

4) TOGETHERNESS BEHAVIORS- being a couple, controlling extra-relational activities

The BFF- Blog 5

As we study the development of relationships, I'm sure you are reflecting on people who have been significant in your life. This week's blog looks at friendships.

What makes a good friend? Trust? Shared interests? Emotional support? Acceptance? Tell us about someone who you consider to be a BFF. What qualities do they possess? Briefly tell us about a pivotal event that moved your relationship from just friends to BFF.