True Conversation Analysis

The Internet: The Contemporary Way To Connect

How does the internet impact our social lives? In the article, “Some Friends and I Started Talking: Conversation and Social Change,” Margaret J. Wheatley explains the importance of oral communication and ways it has organized "human interaction.” She states, “all social change begins with a conversation,” to convey that it is part of survival to engage with others (Wheatley, 297 ). By identifying why conversation initiates change as we share ideas and opinions, she discusses how speaking interactively brings people together, to do good. While “True conversation” is empowering, in todays’ technological revolution, the use of internet has modulated casual conversation, enabling us to connect universally

and interact more conveniently.
The Internet, once only government authorized, now allows us to disseminate information more rapidly. It has the capacity to connect the world together, through Google, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, etc. giving open access to people and forces who can help create change (Imtiaz). For example, the KONY 2012 campaign, was a "Stop Kony" movement that halted the war criminal, Joseph Kony . With the need to make him globally known, the film received more than 99 million views and resulted in the United States Senate contributing decision to send troops by the African Union (“Internet Activism”).
As we link, we analyze the same topics, information, and it brings our concerns together. In connecting us, the internet gives people, groups and even countries an outlet to seek resolutions together. Like in 2009, Iranian conflict on presidential elections was so talked about, they were able to form a revolution, as a result of online social networking. Hamid Dabashi said, “Cyberspace was buzzing with information that there was to be a demonstration from this square to that square. As a result if there is a leadership, it is really the networking that the internet has made possible” (“2009 Iranian Presidential Election Protest”).
In addition, the internet has paved the way for gay rights. Digital activism for Gays created such a powerful platform with everyone talking about it, that it lead the Supreme Court to overturn The Defense Marriage Act. Popular opinion on same-sex marriage became very apparent with the uproar of support that emerged on social media (Ferenstien).
In many ways, the internet has changed peoples lives for better. With millions linked together, online dating has become one of the most popular sources of meeting potential partners. A study has shown, that One in five people find love from the internet, today (Galarneau). The online dating world, really is full of powerful conversations, I’m sure.
A study by The Guardian found that the time it took for the first 50 million users to be reach was thirty eight years for broadcast radio, thirteen years for television, and only web four years for the web. Continuously expanding, it has become a more reliable resource on world events, because everyone is reaching out to others (Laner).
According to BBC News, “retweeting” has become so popular, that it spread the breaking news on China’s Natural Disaster in 2008 with links to images and video, before the United States Geological Survey, an early warning earthquake provider even had. The internet has become the greatest platform to fast coverage over traditional media, providing firsthand warning by people using the internet (Cellan-Jones).
It has become part of our elements, to find others and ourselves at the touch of our fingers, or click of a button. The use of internet helps individuals discover new thoughts and ideas. As we connect, we are without public pressures, and a convenience to many. It allows anyone and everyone to voice thoughts opinions, an inviting cloud for all of us.
Our reluctance to engage in conversation is reduced while we use the internet.

It has helped people speak up, without actually speaking. Personally, voicing my opinion aloud is a lot more uncomfortable than through the internet, because of the fear of being wrong, or misjudged. Many find that it is uncomfortable to engage because being challenged by what others think is a lot more awkward in person. Having allowed many personal opinions drift away, unsaid and unheard, my prime reasons for internet is no one is compelled to interact in your conversations unless they want to. But online, you might share thoughts, and find those who will agree will give input alongside of you. It is the stage that people fear, that makes the internet our first

option.
Overall, the internet has the same effect on conversation as it would in person.

As we’ve advocated freedom, revolution, and reform, the internet has always been our most powerful tool in doing so. Conversation becomes compelling when it is clear, direct, but most importantly, when it is viral. With social media, we are expending our time on the internet socializing so often. As a matter of fact, the root to change is indeed through conversation, and the internet will continue being our greatest resource with its practicalities. As long as we are etiquette listeners, and speakers in person or online, powerful conversation relies on the how well we think, and respond to one

another.