I wrote in the previous posting that the basic principle of online communication is to remember the human, which means consideration for other online users.

Simple and basic as it is, it might seem difficult to implement in online settings, especially in asynchronous ones where we often don’t see the person at the receiving end of the message. Considering the diversity of online communication tools (both synchronous and asynchronous), I wonder if some of them are more successful in helping us comply with the rule. For example,  using videoconferencing should theoretically help us be more human than, let’s say, on an anonymous discussion forum (like the one found in online versions of tabloids where people regularly slag others off for trivial things like an unfetching hat or crazy haircut). And how about instant messenger type of communication tools, including mobile phones,  which sometimes might fall somewhere in between synchronous and asynchronous modes of communication. Due to their frequently limited size (text messages, direct messaging on twitter), users often have to take shortcuts when expressing their views. There is also a question of emotional closeness to the recipient; for example mobile phone messages tend to be more personal so the ‘humanness’ index should be higher. Twitter  is a bit more controversial, especially when you think of its use as a back channel where somebody can be heckled, or tweckled! See Steve Wheeler's post on Weapon of Mass Destruction. Strangely enough this happens when you actually see the person but this sadly doesn't prevent you from forgetting the human!

More loose thoughts related to entry two to follow.