Online Communication Styles - Easier to Misinterpret - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

swedeace · 05-13-2006, 12:54 PM

Surely without those non-verbals present in front of you, it is much easier to misunderstand what someone is saying online. You have to rely on your own perception on how you read others' writing styles. Even using emoticons doesn't help TOO much because everyone uses those differently or interprets them differently. For example, that thread with people thinking a certain emoticon was signifying another type of facial expression.

Have you ever had a misunderstanding in communication styles with an online friend? Like, you get the impression they are always wanting to joke or always wanting to be serious. Then you later find out they thought you wanted to keep this up, and they confess they didn't wanna keep up that style of communication? Hope that doesn't sound too confusing...

What I am trying to say is that you are thinking, "Oh! I see what's happening. We both totally misunderstood each other." So.... you want to try and explain what has happened to your online friend(s) since they have gotten this impression already. This misunderstanding....

What do you think it will take to reverse this thought process? And, how long do you think it would take to give time/space to your friend who already has this impression in their head?

I just believe that time heals wounds (it wasn't so much a wound but this misunderstanding), but the communication style can be in any way, actually....

Anyone have this happen? How did it work out? How long did it take?

Number 9 Dream · 05-13-2006, 02:04 PM

I've never really had an all-out fight because of an online miscommunication, but I have misinterpreted people online before. It's really hard to tell when people are being sarcastic over the internet.

I hope the conflict gets resolved for you

Ireneparalegal · 05-13-2006, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number 9 Dream

I've never really had an all-out fight because of an online miscommunication, but I have misinterpreted people online before. It's really hard to tell when people are being sarcastic over the internet.

I hope the conflict gets resolved for you

TJL · 05-13-2006, 02:09 PM

I guess I've come to rely on this little guy

for a reason. It's kind of my trademark now, but it also signifies that I'm joking about something.

Nighthawk76 · 05-13-2006, 02:15 PM

I've been involved in quite a few misunderstandings where I have been joking around about something but others will think that I was being serious. So like TJL I use

more often so everyone knows up front that I am kidding about something.

Tuesday Weld · 05-13-2006, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swedeace

Surely without those non-verbals present in front of you, it is much easier to misunderstand what someone is saying online. You have to rely on your own perception on how you read others' writing styles. Even using emoticons doesn't help TOO much because everyone uses those differently or interprets them differently. For example, that thread with people thinking a certain emoticon was signifying another type of facial expression.

Have you ever had a misunderstanding in communication styles with an online friend? Like, you get the impression they are always wanting to joke or always wanting to be serious. Then you later find out they thought you wanted to keep this up, and they confess they didn't wanna keep up that style of communication? Hope that doesn't sound too confusing...

What I am trying to say is that you are thinking, "Oh! I see what's happening. We both totally misunderstood each other." So.... you want to try and explain what has happened to your online friend(s) since they have gotten this impression already. This misunderstanding....

What do you think it will take to reverse this thought process? And, how long do you think it would take to give time/space to your friend who already has this impression in their head?

I just believe that time heals wounds (it wasn't so much a wound but this misunderstanding), but the communication style can be in any way, actually....

Anyone have this happen? How did it work out? How long did it take?

I think it is true that you can misinterpret someone's mood, online I know I have, I always had the tendency to assume the worst, when it wasn't really like that at all. Now, I just try to not overanalyze what someone says and I'm better off.

Chad Michael Murray · 05-13-2006, 10:14 PM

Usually if I'm making a sarcastic joke that could otherwise be interpreted as rude, I always say "LMAO!" after it, to imply that I meant it to be funny.

Even if I'm not personally laughing myself, I always type that when I'm being lighthearted, just because I think it conveys the jokingness of the situation.

05-13-2006, 12:54 PM	#1
swedeace Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 22, 2003 Posts: 9,009	Online Communication Styles - Easier to Misinterpret Surely without those non-verbals present in front of you, it is much easier to misunderstand what someone is saying online. You have to rely on your own perception on how you read others' writing styles. Even using emoticons doesn't help TOO much because everyone uses those differently or interprets them differently. For example, that thread with people thinking a certain emoticon was signifying another type of facial expression. Have you ever had a misunderstanding in communication styles with an online friend? Like, you get the impression they are always wanting to joke or always wanting to be serious. Then you later find out they thought you wanted to keep this up, and they confess they didn't wanna keep up that style of communication? Hope that doesn't sound too confusing... What I am trying to say is that you are thinking, "Oh! I see what's happening. We both totally misunderstood each other." So.... you want to try and explain what has happened to your online friend(s) since they have gotten this impression already. This misunderstanding.... What do you think it will take to reverse this thought process? And, how long do you think it would take to give time/space to your friend who already has this impression in their head? I just believe that time heals wounds (it wasn't so much a wound but this misunderstanding), but the communication style can be in any way, actually.... Anyone have this happen? How did it work out? How long did it take?

05-13-2006, 02:04 PM	#2
Number 9 Dream That '70s Girl Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 18, 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 5,875	I've never really had an all-out fight because of an online miscommunication, but I have misinterpreted people online before. It's really hard to tell when people are being sarcastic over the internet. I hope the conflict gets resolved for you
	__________________ Live a little be a gypsy get around http://www.librarything.com/profile/skelterhelter http://retrogirl82.dvdaf.com/owned formerly Retrogirl82

05-13-2006, 02:09 PM	#4
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	I guess I've come to rely on this little guy for a reason. It's kind of my trademark now, but it also signifies that I'm joking about something.
	__________________ "I think I'll stroll up to the front to see how the shooting's going..." - Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce Read my blogs! http://centralparkamisguide.com/ http://dvdcriticscorner.com Visit me on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641138880 Hey, I do the tweet thing too! http://twitter.com/TomLevier My shop of handmade items! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColdGarageCreations

05-13-2006, 10:14 PM	#7
Chad Michael Murray Member Senior Member Join Date: Oct 23, 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,493	Usually if I'm making a sarcastic joke that could otherwise be interpreted as rude, I always say "LMAO!" after it, to imply that I meant it to be funny. Even if I'm not personally laughing myself, I always type that when I'm being lighthearted, just because I think it conveys the jokingness of the situation.
	__________________ "I think that I’m definitely connected to my sensitive side. I pretty much wear my emotions on my sleeves for the people in my life." --Chad Michael Murray

05-13-2006, 02:15 PM	#5
Nighthawk76 Rachel Berry Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 28, 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 23,254	I've been involved in quite a few misunderstandings where I have been joking around about something but others will think that I was being serious. So like TJL I use more often so everyone knows up front that I am kidding about something.