More and more of our conversations are happening online, but the web is notorious for its ability to generate arguments and misunderstandings, especially when we’re discussing somewhat controversial topics. We often assume that this occurs because we’re less able to express ourselves clearly and so misunderstandings can result, especially due to the lack of nonverbal cues. Some also believe that the web emboldens us to say things we wouldn’t say face-to-face.
Research from Tilburg University suggests that the opposite may actually be the case, and too much clarity can cause our misunderstandings online. In other words, if people are disinhibited online, then others are all too well aware of that fact.
Fully understood
The researchers tracked groups of participants, none of whom knew each other, as they discussed various politically sensitive topics. The conversations took place either via text (anonymously), video (non-anonymously), or verbally.
The results show that ambiguity seems to contribute to bridging differences of opinion, which in turn makes it less likely that conversations will get heated. The researchers believe this is because it is much clearer how other people feel. For instance, in verbal conversations, we might do this via the use of ambiguous expressions, such as “I think”. The research found that we don’t tend to do this when conversing online, and are much more direct. While this can create the impression of only being concerned with broadcasting our own opinion, it nonetheless reduces any ambiguity.
“Our research shows that online misunderstandings and escalation are not due to changes in individual psychology, such as disinhibition or a lack of motivation to keep the relationship going, but to the behavioral limitations of the medium,” the authors conclude. “Our research shows the importance of understanding exactly what happens within online and verbal conversations to explain the differences between these media: How do conversation partners communicate and how does that affect their relationship?”
