Module 5 Reflections 

In reflecting on this module and the slide presentation, “CMC and Internet Psychology”, I was struck by a lot of the statistics in the slideshow. I also was struck by just how much Prezi presentations are way too jumpy for my liking with all of the zooming and animations.

One of the statistics that struck me was about online dating were that I expected the percentages to be higher at this stage in the game. I feel like most single people that I know, including one of my 64-year-old coworkers, utilize some form of online dating and meet up groups. I read an article that people gravitate toward online dating for the following reasons: anonymity, fulfillment of emotional needs, opportunity to meet a larger pool of people with similar interests, and the ability to be more open due to the veil of anonymity (Pace, Reid, and Santarelli).

Regardless, I suppose the methods of how they determined the numbers would have to be seen to better understand the outcome. Did anyone else think the numbers were low?

The other stats from the presentation that stood out for me was the one from the Barak and Suler article about how much the internet has woven itself into the fabric of everyone’s lives, including nations that are considered to be third world countries in some regards still. I feel this poses a problem because the true basic needs of people and societies should be addressed before other advancements, which just leave the rest of the people further behind. Also, the final piece that I noticed was from the Prezi about how the Internet affects our sense of self. I feel that both the positive and negative theories have good points and that there is truth in both, but it would depend on the specific instance being referenced. The Internet definitely impacts us psychologically in more ways than just interactions and communication. Some retailers are so interested in the online behaviors of customers that they hire psychologists in order to better understand what makes people purchase items, so that they can get them to do so (Ossola).

Works Cited

Ossola, Alexandra. "Internet Psychologists Study How the Web Affects Us (and Make You Click 'Buy')." Motherboard. N.p., 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 06 Aug. 2016.

Pace, Megan, April Reid, and Jonathan Santarelli. "The Psychology of Internet." My Webspace Files. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Aug. 2016.

Personal Bios - Kimberly Anderson

Hello. My name is Kimberly. I am a transplant to sunny Austin from the great state of Pennsylvania. Go Steelers! I love football, both college and professional. I have one child and three dogs. I am a licensed massage therapist. When I have some free time, I like to be outside as much as the heat allows. The winters and spring here are the best! I love to kayak and hike. I also just went tubing on the Comal River for the first time this past weekend. I can check that off the list. It was fun, but the content of the water is always at the back of my mind.

I am finishing up my first undergrad in business management at the end of this course. I am so excited to finally complete another chapter in life and see what the future holds. I hope to take the fall to look into my job options and do some interviews to find a position that is right for me. I also will be applying to master’s programs. In addition, I hope to start volunteering with the literacy council. If I’m feeling frisky, I may even join the PTA. J Here’s hoping for a great six weeks!