Dana Rho, 409a, G7, Report1, Generational Curriculum

Identifying Attitudes Through Newsgroups Messages

A Lurker's Perspective

1. Introduction

As a budding, wanna be psychologist, I enjoy people watching--just observing as others walk through malls, airports, or restaurants. Often I try to predict people's relationships by watching their interactions. Are they married? Are they on their first date? Are they siblings? I also try to guess people's emotions. Happy? Dismayed? Angry? By observing their body language and facial expressions, it is sometimes easy to tell how they are feeling and what kind of relationship they have with others around them.

For me, watching people interact is intriguing. Even more interesting is trying to figure out how people's minds work and what types of attitudes they have in regards to various topics. Usually, opinions and attitudes are quite evident when we hold conversations with friends, listen to politicians speak, or are involved otherwise with people. A couple of weeks ago, I discovered that Newsgroups are another way in which attitudes and opinions can be expressed and observed.

Newsgroups are a way in which hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people can exchange their thoughts and feelings about particular subjects. Newsgroups are also a terrific way to observe people, their emotions, and attitudes. Even though physical interaction is limited, it is not hard to forget that behind each message is a living, breathing individual. For example, when I read through the messages pertaining to aggressive driving, in my mind, the guy that always seemed to "flame" other people became a stiff-liffed middle-aged man in his thirties who revved his red camaro engine at each stop light. The lady who spoke of her scary encounter with an enraged driver became a young mother of two who was concerned about the welfare of herself and her family while driving.

I will never know if my assumptions are correct. I guess what I'm trying to say is that behind every newsgroup message lies a person with emotions and attitudes. I think, in some ways, these attitudes are more put forth more honestly because they are "spoken" via computer screens. I believe it easier for some people to communicate this way; people might be more able to organize their thoughts and present them in a way that is not as threatening as in face to face contact. In this way, Newsgroups are an effective tool for communication.

Using the DejaNewssearch engine, I typed in "aggressive drivers" and was able to access almost 100 messages pertaining to that subject.

There were several different newsgroups from which I read messages from; they included:

1) alt.autos.camaro.firebird.rec.autos.driving
2) alt.autos.sport.nhra<
3) alt.listserv.dsshe-1
4) alt.general
5) rec.autos.driving
6) misc.transport.trucking

Although each of the people in the various newsgroups were speaking of the same topic, some of the newsgroups had their own distinct personalities. For example, individuals in the alt.autos.camaro. group seemed to have negative, sarcastic opinions about aggressive driving. In contrast, those involved with the bit.listserv newsgroup seemed to take a different perspective on road rage. Most of the posted messages here spoke of how road rage could potentially become a psychological diagnosis; all who wrote were incredulous about this idea.

Even though different newsgroups had different takes on aggressive driving, they all seemed to agree on a few things: aggressive driving exists, is getting worse, and is a pain to everyone. The subject easily sparks strong emotions because many people are subjected to it everyday. Discussions on the subject always seem to explode into a fiery exchange of emotion.

I think newsgroups are used as a vessel to educate, socialize, opinionize and vent frustrations. However, I think it is mainly a way for people to share their ideas about different subject areas which they have strong opinions about in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

2. How Newsgroups are Described in the Generational Curriculum

Seeing Through the Eyes of Others

The students of G5were assigned to do a report on Newsgroups. Entitled "The Social Psychology of Newsgroups," the students reported about the trials and tribulations of becoming newsgroup participants. Their reports were very informative and helpful to me. I read the reports of May Rose Isnec, Jay Sakoda, and Skye Nakayama.

During the course of the semester each of the students became active participants in the newsgroups world. They chose two newsgroups that they wanted to be a part of; some of the newsgroups were aimed at increasing their knowledge on the subject of choice and some were chosen for the sole reason of having a few laughs!

Both Jay and May Rose chose alt.tasteless.jokes.

Each of the three students seemed a little apprehensive about posting their first message. They had concerns about whether or not their posting would get a negative response, or even worse--no response at all. In general, the feeling they got after posting a message was a positive one. Most of them got messages in response to their posting. This increased their desire to send more messages. Sending messages became enjoyable instead of nerve-wracking. It seems that posting a message, instead of just reading them, is a step towards becoming a more involved and interested Newsgroup-er.

Overall, it seems that the Newsgroup experience was a positive one for Jay, May Rose, and Skye. They enjoyed the time they spend accessing Newsgroups. May Rose even said that through newsgroups it is possible that friendships can develop. Jay also had some advice I will try to remember if I ever read a message that inflames me. He reminds us that it's better not to read into messages too much because after all, they are just opinions--and should be taken with a grain of salt.

After reading their reports, I felt better informed about Newsgroups. Some of the techinical jargon was explained; Flamingand spamming were demystified. I now see newsgroups as being an effective way for people to communicate but I'm not sure if I can see myself becoming a life long member of Newsgroups. I need to experience them first hand to decide. For the past couple of weeks I have been lurking the scene--checking things out. I need to find an interesting topic and actively participate to see how it feels to become a part of a virtual community--and if I would become a lifetime member!

3. Attitudes and Newsgroups

Show Me the Attitude!

As I was reading the many newsgroups messages, I began to notice many different attitudes. Anger, indifference, and hope were a few of the attitudes I observed while reading the messages. The following are several of the more frequently and strongly expressed attitudes.

1. The I-Know Everything and You-Know-Nothing Attitude

Everyone seems to have their own theories on what has caused the road rage phenomenon and why it is being perpetuated. These people feel they are always right, and that it is their duty to tell others what they are doing wrong.. The I-Know-Everything-ers seem to dominate the scene--they have very strong opinions and are not afraid to scream them out for the world to see. Below are two of the I-Know-Everything-ers I came across.

Subject: Re: Road Rage, hand to hand combat
From: tbrightman@aol.com (TBrightman)
Date: 1997/09/17
Newsgroups: alt.autos

Has anyone ever noticed that the best way to get someone to go faster is to pass them? Maybe that's why someone in the left lane ends up going as fast as the person that they were trying to pass? That's happened to me many, many times. The truth of the whole "road rage" is that most of the people on the road are irrational and powerless in their everyday lives. When they are behind the wheel, they believe that they have the power and can justify stupidity in any number of ways. How sad......

Subject: Re: Road Rage=progpaganda scam
From: gibson@prairienet.org
Date: 1997/09/20

The whole "road rage"thing is a scam designed by a few greedy psychobabblers to garner some extra publicity. Needless to say, statists promote it as if it existed since doping so gives them an excuse to foist ever more expensive and restrictive government upon the people.

2. Boredom and Indifference

Some of the Newsgroups participants are put to sleep *yawn* by the whole road rage debate. They see no reason why people should spend their time contemplating trouble on the roads, the cause of this trouble, and what can be done about it. In general, these newsgroup-ers probably wait for others to solve a problem for them; they are content to watch as others take action. The following message is a classic example of the attitudes of these people:

Subject: Re: Road Rage, The Final Chapter
From: deepnhock@aol.com (DEEPNHOCK)
Date: 1997/09/14
Newsgroups: alt.autos.sport.nhra

>Subject: Re: Road Rage, The Final Chapter Boring, boring, boring..................................................

3. Couldn't Care Less

Road rage grows as our highways become overcrowded and as the values of our society change. We, as a society, are becoming more concerned about "me, me, me" and less about the next guy; this attitude is slowly weakening the fibers that connect us. The "me-first" attitude allows people to shove aside the well-being of others and promotes self-advancement. Selfishness and complete disregard for the well being of others fuels the attitude of the "couldn't care less" group.

Subject: Re: Road Rage
From: anon-14714@anon.twwells.com (Harvester of Sorrow)
Date: 1997/10/10
Newsgroups: alt.support.depression

when I drive I just don't give a damn. I literally do not care.

At traffic lights I use the "Starman Method": Green means go; red means stop; yellow means go very fast. As a result, the light is often already red when I get there. One day I'll pay the price, but it's not a bad thing at all.

Speed limits? Turn signals? No one else bothers; why should I?

Granted, this ain't my method of choice, but it's not a bad one either. And I must admit, should I get into a head-on, I wonder what the other driver will think, seeing that the short, balding guy in the car hurtling toward him is smiling broadly :-) Sure, it'll be too bad for the other person(s), but then again no one particularly cares that I hurt either.

4. Let's Solve the Problem!

It is refreshing to read that some people want to make positive changes in their driving environment and in the world. They have started to make an effort to ease the tensions which are built while driving. The following message is an affirmative response to someone else's suggestion for a more relaxed driving experience. The message provides hope for a growing problem and also suggests an attitude of tolerance and optimism in the newsgroup community.

Subject: Re: Road Rage in Atlanta
From: Arnold Daitch
Date: 1997/09/11
Newsgroups: atl.general

Nancy wrote:

> > Try to turn on some quiet music and make good use of the time instead. I > don't let it bother me. It gives me time to be alone with my thoughts and > enjoy the music that I love. Responding to an angry driver only adds to the > possibility that road rage will cause him to harm you or another driver in > his way down the road. Let him/her go.

Probably the best advice that could be offered. Let the bastards go on their way -- and bother someone else. . .

The attitudes which can be identified in newsgroups are just like those which can be found in the "real world." There are 1) people who complain about everything under the sun, 2) those who take action, 3) others who could care less about what goes on around them, and 4) those who think they know it all. The attitudes of people who participate in newsgroups parallel attitudes found in any other community.

The different attitudes about road rage--of which more are negative than positive--reflect the ever growing frustration that is building on the highways and byways of this country.

The negative attitudes drivers expose in newsgroups illustrates their feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and irritation in their driving environment. Peole feel they are out of control when they are on the roads--they are at the mercy of drivers who are impatient and angry. They do not know what to do about the problem so they become angry and aggressive themselves. Instead of looking for a solution, they become entangled in the negativity.

A few of those who post messages on road rage are trying to find ways to alleviate the stress they encounter on the road. These peole are hopeful and rational during their commutes. These people take charge of their lives. Instead of letting the road drive away with their control, these people ACTIVELY try to make things better for themselves.

I think the negative atitudes reflect a "me first" philosophy which bares its ugly face on the roads. We are bred to be individuals, but sometimes forget we need to be a part of a whole to survive.

If my philosophy is correct--that we are fast becoming a "me first" society--all of us will suffer because of it. If everyone wants to force himself to the front of the driving pack to reach his destination five seconds faster...I shudder to think of how this growing selfishness will affect society in other realms. Selfishness and angry band-aid solutions are reactions which will multiply in number and in strength in future generations...unless we relearn and reform.

4. Is There a Moral Crisis in Driving Attitudes?

Crash and Burn or Sunday Cruising?

The Congressional Testimony by Dr. Leon "Driving" James is very informative. In the written and verbal testimony he gave to Congress on July 17, 1997, Dr. James presents theories on the possible causes of road rage, how drivers can reform themselves, and what changes should be made for the future.

Dr. James suggests that drivers are "born into road rage." People, from the time they are children, learn from the behaviors of their parents. If their parents are road-ragers, they learn and model this behavior when they become drivers.

Dr. James also theorizes that defensive driving courses increase our volatility on the road; he believes the courses promote a negative mentality while driving. Although most people assume defensive driving makes travelling safer, Dr. James thinks defensive driving "teaches [drivers] to assume the worst." The bad attitude, he says, promotes aggressive driving.

Most important in Dr. James' testimony are his suggestions for better driving. Dr. James suggests three *vehicles* of change:

1) Quality Driving Circles. In these "circles," drivers would meet and talk about problems they encounter on the road and ways to solve them. The rationality behind these circles is that people feel better after they talk about their problems; even if the problems on the road do not decrease, sympathetic ears and group support help alleviate anger on the road.

2) New Driver's Education. Dr. James believes Driver's Ed. must be reformed. The reformed Driver's Ed would teach emotional intelligence skills such as:
how to behave as passengers
how to develop and sustain a positive driving philosophy
how to use inner power techniques to manage emotions in traffic

3) Children Against Road Rage (CARR). CARR is another vision of Dr. James--a program which would educate children and shape them into intelligent travelling citizens.

I concluded earlier that drivers often feel helpless and hopeless when trying to control their driving environment. This theory is supported in the selected newsgroup messages which have expressed utter frustration on the road. As a result of this frustration, more and more drivers eventually become part of the disease which plagues our nation's roads--aggressive driving.

I also suggested earlier that our society is fast evolving into a "me-first, egocentric" society--a society which forgets that each individual must be a part of a whole to survive. We forget that we are all dependent upon one another for survival, that cooperation is essential to the advancement of the group...and the individual.

Dr. James provides three solutions to the "aggressive driving" problem. I think the suggestions, if followed correctly, would not only change the driving mentality, it would also reform our outlook on life.

5. Conclusion

Tying it All Together

Newsgroups are a faceless, somewhat nameless way for people to communicate on a chosen subject. They provide an environment for anyone and everyone to exchange and promote ideas. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is given an equal opportunity. Everyone is respected...well, almost everyone.

In general, newsgroups are a healthy way for people to communicate. For example, physical predjudice is eliminated from the newsgroup experience. Because face to face contact is not possible, unfair judgements can't be made based on the color of someone's skin.

However, stereotypes are still evident in the newsgroup community. People still have pre-conceived attitudes based on information they get from reading messages. For example, while reading the "aggressive driving" newsgroups, I noticed that drivers are categorized as being "problem-starters" if they drive in the left lane at a speed which is intolerable by another. In newsgroups, people still manage to clump and group others in an unflattering way.

As in the "real world," people in virtual communities are still heavily influenced by others around them. Group dissonance is evident in newsgroups. One bad seed can ruin the group's entire synthesis. For example, one person's negativity can blossom into a negativity that is felt by the entire group. On the other hand, the group can be led by someone whose prescence can change the mind set of the group in a positive, helpful way.

The socialization process is also evident in newsgroups. As more people become part of a virtual community, the way society communicates changes. It is evident that the attitudes of drivers are also socialized. People learn their attitudes from other drivers and also pass these attitudes--whether they be negative or positive--to their children and to anyone who rides with them.

Advice for future generations to investigate newsgroups and their attitudes? I believe that time, participation, and critical thinking are key.

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