Acta Universitatis Danubius. Communicatio, Vol 5, No 2 (2011)

Abstract

Objectives: This article approaches the problem of body language, in the new context of online communication, trying to see how the latest development of technology influences it.

Prior Work: The interest in body language has grown in the last decades, first because of the work of scientists like Ekman, who studied micro-gestures and tried to give a universal decoder, and second because of the latest technological evolution in communication, that has stressed the importance of non-verbal cues.

Approach: Using observation and the latest writing in the field, we will explain the consequences that the use of avatars and online communication have on body language and its interpretation.

Results: Excluding context, posture, micro-gestures, tone and so on, online communication does not only become stereotype, but also affects real communication and especially body language. We can observe pragmatism of gestures, standardizations, lack of customizations, inability to read other’s body language, etc.

Implications: All of this shapes the Y-Generation, one that not only fails to interpret other’s body language, but also is unable to express themselves in direct communication.

Value: This paper stresses out not only the consequences of online communication, but also the importance of further technological development.