Identifying Attitudes Through Newsgroups
MessagesIdentifying Attitudes Through Newsgroups
Messages
Contents:
Instructions For this Report 1
In this report you will find out about my newsgroups experience, what attitudes I identified, and perhaps what can be learned from visiting a newsgroups. As I stated before Newsgroups are a way in which millions of people can exchange their thoughts and feelings. Newsgroups are also a great media to observe people. While reading through these groups one can get a sense of what people are thinking and experiencing. This media is a great tool to study human behavior and dynamics. Just think in the privacy of one's own home, through newsgoups, one can peek into the worlds of others.
Before my preparation for this report, I knew very little about newsgroups. I felt
apprehensive, yet excited to learn how to "tap" into a exciting informational resource. My
learning process in the world of newsgroups continues. I hope this report will spark an
interest and encourage you to begin your journey into the world of newsgroups.
Here is what G5 has to say. . .
What Leslie Francis says. . Cyberspace can be paralleled with the mind, as just as your mind is limitless, so is cyberspace. These communities are fascinating as anyone can join them. There is a tremendous mount of learning to be had within each community.
What Keith Pedro says. . .Cyberspace is like the mind in that it categorizes information by similarities in topic areas, and recalls information. Cyberpsychology in essence is an extension of the human intellect. The ability to undo limitations and expand the basis of our learning capabilities.
What Naoyuki Maruya says. . .In a way, cyberspace is the extension of the mind, because it
feeds the mind new information, and therefore, expanding its horizons, maybe infinitely or
to the limits of your Internet connection.
My Views on Newsgroups
After viewing these generational reports and surveying the newsgroups on "road rage" I can see what an important media this is. There is an unlimited amount of information to be gained. One may also learn so much more than they all ready know. Newsgroups are a great resource to plug into for new information or just great reading material.
Cyberspace has been described as an extension of the mind, therefore when one participates in newsgroups they are contributing a piece of their mind and attitudes within that community. When one posts a response their ideas are imprinted for all to see, forever. In newsgroups all these ideas and information is stored, exchanged and viewed by millions of people.
When one participates in these newsgroups they may feel a sense of community. A place to go to communicate with people with the same interests. They may feel comfortable enough to express their ideas and feelings. It could be a great outlet for some.
I really don't see myself as a active participant of these newsgroups, but I can see the
importance of this media. I can imagine myself going to newgroups as a source of
entertainment and interesting reading. I don't see myself as posting responses. I'm not
real comfortable with the idea that my response would be there for all to see, indefinitely. I
do see myself as one who would visit to keep up on current topics and themes of interest.
3. Attitudes and Newsgroups
While viewing the newsgroups on "road rage and "aggressive driving I observed that many expressions of attitudes are brought to life via Newsgroup discussion. I have copied some of the prevalent attitudes shown in road rage newsgroups that I followed.
1. Venting pent up anger: Which usually leads to flamming
Subject: Re: More Road Rage
From: John Haley <jth0008@nospam.edu>
Date: 1997/09/26
Message-Id: <342C0DEA.89F40706@nospam.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.autos.driving
I am tired of getting run off the road by people who are in such a hurry to go nowhere. Almost every day, someone will recklessly blow past me only to have me pull up right behind them on the interstate exit ramp. Boy, they really got ahead, didn't they. My new policy is to call 9-1-1 when I observe reckless operation of a motor vehicle. I would also support a minimum 5-year jail sentence for this type of driving.
Subject: Re: More Road Rage
From: John Haley <jth0008@nospam.edu>
Date: 1997/09/27
Message-Id: <342D2922.9EC69FBF@nospam.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.autos.driving
Randolf Pitchford wrote:
If you can't handle a cell phone while you're driving, you have no business on the road under any circumstances.
Subject: Re: Road Rage in Raleigh
From: "Dave Mattison" <d m a t t is o n @i n t r e x.net>
Date: 1997/10/18
Message-Id: <01bcda8a$10c32de0$02c72ad1@elvis>
Newsgroups: triangle.general
<<Would you mind releasing your license plate # and signing a waiver so I can rearend the hell out of you if I ever catch you on the interstate?>>
These are three examples of angry people expressing their views. They have used this
media to vent their bad experiences on the road. The middle example may be good advice
but he was flamming a person that he didn't agree with. The last one has even gone as far
as to threaten someone's live. Within newsgroups any idea and attitude may be presented,
but I have noted that the stronger, and the angrier responses get flammed, The more
negative one gets , it is as if he has invited flamming to fall upon him. This just proves to
me that anger begets anger.
While viewing newsgroups I have found that a lot of stereotyping goes on. People tend to
just group people together to prove their point. In their minds it might be valid. But the
question is, is it the truth? What follows is an example of this attitude of stereotyping.
2. Stereotyping
Subject: Re: Road Rage (Was: OAPs and Driving)
From: engs0011@sable.ox.ac.uk (Ian Johnston)
Date: 1997/10/17
Message-Id: <6282ft$jle$5@news.ox.ac.uk>
Newsgroups: uk.misc,alt.peeves,soc.culture.british,uk.politics.misc,uk.transport
: You're not a cyclist are you? In Edinburgh, anyway, cyclists seem to put other people's lives at risk mainly as a result of ignorance and selfishness rather than peevedness. Ian
Here are some examples of intelligent responses. These are people who want to make a
difference. They post thought provoking responses that are positive. Presented in a non
threatening manner. Hopefully they will make a difference, they will touch someone,
maybe even change some attitudes.
3. Thought provoking, Intelligent Attitudes
Subject: Re: Road Rage = propaganda scam
From: Charles Norrie <Charles@geodeon.demon.co.uk>
Date: 1997/10/14
Message-Id: <C91anhApG2Q0EwKa@geodeonssppaamm.demon.co.uk>
Newsgroups: rec.autos.driving,misc.transport.urban-transit
But when someone has road rage they happen to be in charge of a powerful machine capable of doing an awful lot of damage, human and material. -- Charles Norrie
Subject: Re: Princess Diana: Road Rage Victim?
From: Leon James <leon@hawaii.edu>
Date: 1997/09/02
Message-Id: <Pine.GSO.3.95q.970902204134.21430D-100000@uhunix3>
Newsgroups: rec.autos.driving,dc.driving,uk.transport
It's now clearer than at the beginning that this was indeed an obvious road rage tragedy, I say it's the road rage tragedy of the century -- and it should help us re-focus seriously on the fact that road rage is a potential with every driver. In this case the alcohol is not a sufficient explanation: the driver was ego-involved if it's true that he taunted the photographers who were in pusuit. A real, down to earth, awful case of road rage. Watch out: you can have road rage if you do not change your aggressive attitudes. As I said: we need training in emotional intelligence to overcome the awful possibilities we face on highways every day.
Another attitude that I enjoy to read through besides the intelligent response are those that
are hopeful and try to present some good sound advice to others. Here are some examples.
4. Hopeful, Sound Advice
Subject: Re: Road Rage in Atlanta
From: Nancy <"vacant@mindspring"@atl.mindspring.com>
Date: 1997/09/10
Message-Id: <5v7mql$c9h@camel4.mindspring.com>
Newsgroups: atl.general
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 his way down the road. Let him/her go.
Subject: Re: Road Rage in Durham
From: "John B. Rees" <jrees@best.com>
Date: 1997/10/02
Message-Id: <Pine.BSF.3.96.971002180859.22220B-100000@shell3.ba.best.com>
Newsgroups: triangle.general
I'd have pulled off to the hard shoulder and let "Mr. personality" tool on to pester someone else. Take comfort in the knowledge that people such as this protagonist will eventually get their due. There are people on the roads nastier then this, and they will resort to more violent methods.
Folks, it's impossible to prove a point to people as stupid as this example. Show your intelligence by backing off and live another day.
Presented above were just a few prevalent examples of the various attitudes that are present via the newsgroups. There are numerous attitudes and emotions, just as there are numeous people using these newsgroups, to be found through newsgroups. These attitudes presented are a reflection of the individual presenting them. They are real. Some are notable while some are not. The attitudes presented, I feel, reflect not only those in that particular group, but are universal. But one must keep in mind that this media was set up that all may be heard.
After I systematically viewed the newsgroups on road rage I did get a sense of the various attitudes presented. The range of attitudes was tremendous, from the negative to the positive. I can now see, through these newsgroups, the growing frustration and problems building on our highways. This has become a serious problem. These newgroups are a great media to expose these issues. Even though some of the attitudes were negative and may be even not notable, I still feel that the newgroups are helpful and needed. The positive, though provoking attitudes is what I like to see. Although they are harder to find, I think they far outweigh the negative ones. When all is said and done, these groups are a great vehicle for the freedom of expression, for freedom of speech, that everyone seems to need. Newsgroups are another means to express themselves, in a safe environment.
4. Is There a Moral Crisis in Driving Attitudes?
To answer this question I turned to the Congerssional Testimony by Dr. Leon James. Otherwise known as Dr. Driving. This testimony is Dr. James' comprehensive research that has focused on the psychological components of driving behavior, which focuses mainly on aggressive driving. Dr. James presents theories of what causes aggressive driving, how it can be measured and ways in which we can use to control our aggressive driving.
Dr. James states that everyone is capable of road rage, and that it is an increasing epidemic. He feels that we are all born into road rage habits. We as young children learn through example. We have assimilated years of watching others' bad habits, and what is presented through the different media's.
In this comprehensive report he describes the symptoms of road rage , how defensive driving may be part of the problem, twenty components of aggressive drivers, and how sadly road rage has become a culturally acquired habit. He also presents some alarming examples of nation wide road rage.
This may all seem grim, but Dr. James left me with a sense of hope. He explains three methods for dealing with aggressive drivers. He also list some alternative choices one can make to alleviate some of their road rage. Most importantly he is looking out for our future generations by suggesting New Driver's Ed where emotional intelligence skills would be taught. And he has set up the organization of Children Against Road Rage, a program that would catch the young to educate them to be better intelligent driving citizens. To help them stay away from those bad habits that have been left to them by pervious generations.
I feel Dr. James has made some strong points in his testimonial. Since road rage is so prevalent in our society this would be a great resource for all to see. If we could all embrace Dr. James belief that we need to transform the culture of negative driving to a positive one, we would all be better off. I totally agree that we all need to be retrained to become better drivers. If we all could learn how to apply emotional intelligence skills, there would be a lot less headaches and maybe a fewer accidents on the road. If people could become less defensive and become more courteous this could possibly lead to a more pleasant and safer journey.
By embracing Dr. James' belief of a supportive driving environment, hopefully someday
soon we will see fewer accidents, and deaths. We will be able to get into our cars, with no
stress, and feel safe behind the wheel.
As stated before, Newsgroups are a means in which people can communicate their ideas to others based on a topic or theme of that group. Newsgroups is an excellent media to express ideas in a community type forum. People involved will feel that they are part of a group. And that they are contributing to that group, which will lead them to feel a sense of worth and a feeling of belonging. Which we all strive for.
Newsgroups are a excellent tool to use as a source to get information from. But future generations beware, for you must be aware that one never really know if the source is reliable or not. For there are various ideas and attitudes presented that may be tainted by the individual presenting the information. These attitudes are a reflection of the person presenting the ideas and it should be examined closely, and at times maybe just quickly passed over.
There are diverse attitudes presented within these groups, just as there are the people who participate. Through these different newsgroups I have learned a lot about people and human nature. I have seen a strong sense of group dynamics, a lot of emotional content, some even neurotic, but I have also witnessed some good altruistic behavior. That has been my focus through all of this. To put aside the negative attitudes and look more for the helpful, hopeful attitudes.
This media is a powerful source, with good and bad implications. Future users, must realize what a powerful tool this is. I feel if one is going to participate it is their responsibility to monitor what they are doing. For when one posts their ideas and their attitudes it is there imprinted for all to see. One must be cautious, and ask themselves if they want to become part of the problem, or be a guiding force. We all have freedom of speech, but it should not be at the cost of others. I think it should benefit all of mankind.
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