Chapter 11 - Question #3

As a public relations practitioner, I am constantly bombarded on the effects of the mass media. Not only do the television, radio and newspaper help disseminate information but we are also struck with a traditional and futuristic media: social media. This new form f media includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, blogging and so much more. There are many ways that a company or cause can increase the scope of their message so the masses can absorb it. They are networking sites to stay connected to friends, business professionals and most importantly information. We are being taught less and less the ways of writing in a newspaper. It is being replaces with how to write for the Internet and how to get the same point across in one screen shot of text opposed to 10 inches of column. As the world progresses so does technology and the way everything is disseminated to the masses

Chapter 11 - Question #2

Yes I do agree with this statement to an extent. You will not message your resume as a Facebook comment, but you may upload it to your LinkedIn account. The focus of the medium and mode within the medium makes a huge difference. Also, there is a difference between advertisements on the television as opposed to the radio. The television message has to be visual as well as have captivating audio that grasp you attention before the audience can receive the message. On the other hand the radio has to appeal to only one sense, hearing. You have to grab their attention before they tune the dial and switch to another station. The message needs to be quick and to the point. It is a fact that the attention span is less on the radio compared to television.

Chapter 11 - Question #1

As security on the Internet decreases and the threat of having one’s identity stolen increases, it makes one more cautious on whom you talk to in a nonface-to-face atmosphere. I, for one, will not add a friend to my Facebook or LinkedIn unless I have met the person in real life. Even so, I have to have that trust for them. If the trust is not there then your request will be denied. With this said I have met people before and the majority of the relationship is through the Internet. It is hard to keep in touch with everyone you know and this other medium allows us to stay connected to the people we may have had little or no contact with otherwise. As I work 3 jobs and school it makes it difficult to even stay in contact with my best friends. We always end up texting whenever it is convenient or leave messages for each other via email or Facebook and give each other the ability to respond at their convenience. With this we remain connected.

Chapter 6- Question #3

I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend for 2.5 years. Within this period of time we have had only one fight. We tend to communicate very well how we are feeling and we have an understanding of the reasons for each of our ways. Yet, there are instances that we disagree. Within these instances we both hold the role of dominance and we practice competitive symmetry. We are very stubborn in our ways and reasons for making certain decisions. Yes, couples do encounter instances where these roles can cause a damper on a relationship. In cases like these communication is key. If you can be willing to express your stance in a mature way as well as listen to your partner express his/her side then you have a greater chance of decreasing the tension that arises. The same goes for the other dysfunctional patterns that can cause strain between couples.

Chapter 6- Question #2

One of the major factors to me that deem someone as unattractive is their actions. I observe the interactions that an individual has with other people as an indication of how he will treat me in the future. Also, the way they interact with their family is a huge one. You know the family knows who the person is and the individual is less likely to not be their true self around their family. Duck’s theory does make sense to me but I do not agree completely with his model. He is missing a few steps that lead to increased intimacy. There is a difference between having a friend that you talk to occasionally and a boyfriend that you see every day. You have to get over trust, closeness, values and belief obstacles before true intimacy occurs. I believe everyone has known someone whom they have dismissed in the initial stages to reconsider them later on. My current best friend actually dismissed me back in high school. I was a complete nerd and nomad between groups trying to fit in. Then after we graduated we reunited one day and have been inseparable since.

Chapter 6- Question #1

In my opinion, competitive symmetry would be hardest to control. In this each person is dominant, or shows forms of dominance. These types of people are normally stuck in their ways and refuse to relinquish the control. These people are very stubborn and will not waiver their choices because they have a feeling of winning. The most damaging to a relationship would be the rigid complimentary. Over a period of time one becomes dominant and the other submissive but if the submissive person no longer wants to be out of control then tensions arise with the change and arguments occur. It becomes out of the norm and when couples that become stagnant in their relationship see this change tensions arise. In the form of self-esteem the rigid complimentary would be my choice as well. When the partner becomes submissive they tend to lose control over their self and sometimes lose their identity in the process. Thus concluding, their self-esteem decreases because they are trying to be what the partner wants them to be.