Discussion 10 - Visual Communication Online

The Social Semiotics method is a study that looks at meaning, and how it is portrayed through communication and design, both online and in social interactions. Social Semiotics was heavily researched beginning in the early 1900's, and is important to our everyday communication. It is important because it helps us understand how communication works in society, and how there are different learned signs and symbols in different cultures. Multimodality is one method of Social Semiotics, where multiple forms of communication are considered - language, gestures, images, and more. Also, including context with communication is a key factor in understanding social cues in different cultures and situations. Placing photos on certain parts of the screen can help readers interpret text better - for example, placing photos on the left side of the screen can help people process them faster than if they are on the right. 

Here is one example of image placement, a National Geographic page with a mountain lion - the image is placed on the top, with text below. We automatically look at the text below for context about this image, and we look below the image for more information about it. Opening an article with a bold photo that distracts from the rest of the page catches your attention and leads you to read on about it. 

One more example of image placement is the Dune: Part Two review page on Rotten Tomatoes. When you first open the page, you see reviews for other movies and the trailer for the movie you clicked on. It takes a little bit of scrolling to find the ratings and reviews for the movie itself. On the left, and usually the first thing you see, will be links to other movies that are featuring right now. On the right, you see the trailer for the movie you clicked to review. It seems like the intention here is to keep you clicking through movie reviews, since they are the first thing you see and they are easily accessible.

Discussion 9 - Online Arguments

 The online argument I will be discussing is in the comments section of a YouTube video. The video is about professional basketball, where player Tracy McGrady is seen making an almost impossible comeback to save his team, the Houston Rockets, from defeat.

The argument began as seen below, but carries on into several years of arguing over a variety of things:

I chose to discuss this argument because since it's YouTube, there will be a lot of senseless arguing, but this one was very hostile for seemingly no reason. 

The first concern I have with this is that missing a shot in basketball does not equate to events like 9/11, this is a rather extreme example for this argument. My second concern is that for the last 8 years, the antagonist (@infekt) has been logging in to continue arguing with people in this comment thread. There is no point to doing this, and the original topic of argument was changed within the first year. This brings me to my third concern, that the argument has become targeted and personal for those involved, and is not respectful or civil. Comments have been deleted and changed, and hurtful things have been said to people involved.

When arguing online, it is important to see both sides of a debate to present a well-rounded argument. This is known as rebuttal. It is also important to be respectful and use netiquette when talking to others, even if the situation is frustrating. Thirdly, if an argument progresses beyond being civil and practicing netiquette, it is a good idea to not engage in it any more. Try to support your arguments with sources and valid information as much as possible. Lastly, keep in mind your online presence when employers and family are looking at your activity - it is easy to influence your reputation when chatting online.