S Chellappan took a bit of a different tact when he looked at internet usage via network stats, then compared that to where his users fell on a depressive scale. He found that there were different patterns for those ranked higher in depression. 1
The paper interpreted the stats as showing depressed students had:
Just finished up How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie as it is recommended for Community Managers by Richard Millington. Nicely brought into the open and formalized much of what I have intuitively felt. Also admired the teaching technique with the stories first. I’m keeping Dale’s 80 year old list handy as a reminder in this new world.
Lynne Kelly, et al, recently tackled the question whether online sharing is being more about openness or narcissism.
Key takeaways for me:
Persons with an unrealistically large number of friends may be using the platform for reasons of narcissism. (It is a key tell that they maybe more of a drain on the community than an asset.) 1, 2
Those who accept strangers as friends may exhibit more detrimental tendencies such as seeking social support but not giving it, manipulation, and self aggrandizement. 2
Those who share may not be bragging but looking for bonding. (Knowing this may change one’s perspective about certain members of the community, until one has a chance to verify.) 1
1. While “Narcissism or Openness?: College Students’ Use of Facebook and Twitter” is behind a paywall, Lynne Kelly gives some details to the New York Times.
2. “Narcissism on Facebook: Self-promotional and Anti-social Behavior” by Christopher Carpenter has a nice write up and links.
Don’t start by asking if it’s right or wrong, but will it make any difference.
There is a battle in IT administration/management when introducing new technology. On the one side are staff creative types who want to explore new realms, self-expression, and amazing opportunities for communication. On the other side are staff members who see areas of confusion, creation of non-compliance, and the liabilities of miss-communication.
What are both sides missing?
– That this new tech actually has an effect at all, and the customers (of course).
Last week was pretty exciting…
Richard Millington offered a master class in community engagement. I really like his data driven, social science focused approach so it was super to spend the time immersed in it. Lots of practical advice, and I picked up more than a few ideas. Super Stuff! Quite a few folks from the healthcare sector too, which has it’s own unique challenges. Thanks to Rich for sharing.
