Can We Healthy Conversations Online

Generally speaking, people enjoy interacting with others. Humans have feelings, too. Human progress has always been aided by improved methods of communication.

It’s in our nature to want to hear other people’s perspectives on the world and to impart our own, from the earliest days of telling tales orally to the present day with the advent of social media, cellphones, and an insatiable appetite for dialogue.

Having a conversation with someone in person is different from talking to them online. Hence, there are some universal characteristics shared by the most fruitful online conversation formats that may be useful in fostering lively and productive debates on any given topic.

Online communication has increasingly become an essential facet of our lives. Whether it’s for business, pleasure, or merely catching up with old friends, having conversations online is now as standard as traditional face-to-face chats.

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But what makes an online conversation productive and healthy? Let’s dive into the essence of digital discussions and how to navigate them effectively.

What is the Online Conversation?

An online conversation refers to any dialogue or discussion that takes place over the internet, through various platforms such as social media, messaging apps, forums, and emails. These conversations can range from casual chats to more structured dialogues like business meetings or educational webinars.

Can We Have Healthy Conversations Online?

Absolutely. Healthy online conversations are not only possible but can often be more productive than in-person discussions. The key lies in understanding the medium, respecting boundaries, and being empathetic to others’ perspectives.

Understanding the Reason for Communication

Sharing information is the driving force behind any and all forms of communication. It’s a way of talking where ideas are exchanged, thought upon, and answered.

We are either participating in healthy ways to build connections with one another through the exchange of information, or we are participating in harmful ways to gain power and control over others.

It’s easy to lose sight of manners when carrying on a conversation online. Sometimes, it can look like it’s okay to have conversations online that you wouldn’t dare have in person.

Before We Decide to Engage in the Conversation

An important and conspicuous part of effective online communication is maintaining a logical debate flow. James Pegram designed the format to be easy to follow while still covering all the bases.

Before jumping into any online discussion, it’s important to ask yourself if you can think of anything that might make you think differently about the topic at hand. Realize the significance of this.

It’s not a dialogue if we’re not open to hearing arguments that could persuade us to modify our beliefs. Considering that it’s possible that we won’t be open to revising our ideas, it might be best if we just avoid the discussion altogether.

If we are open to the idea that our viewpoint may shift as the discussion progresses, we should also ask ourselves if we are willing to abandon any flawed ideas. This fact does not prevent its continued use as a conversational topic.

To avoid further arguments, we will no longer be using this stance. Refusing to abandon an unconvincing line of reasoning betrays our lack of interest in having a forthright conversation. To proceed, however, we must abandon these fallacious lines of reasoning.

Components of an Online Conversation

Like most people, you’ve probably been subjected to some of the worst forms of it, such cyberbullying and the dissemination of misinformation. Plus, petty arguments that escalate into major ones and engulf the entire nation in a web of blame and recrimination.

Conversely, internet conversations can be both fruitful and civil. A combination of rules and vigilant moderation has created a culture of factual information sharing in the Vaccine Discussion Facebook group.

A subreddit exists on Reddit where users can discuss sensitive issues without resorting to personal attacks. Twitter has also launched a new tool called “Communities” to promote civil discourse.

Wherever fruitful debate occurs, we must ask: what can we learn from these settings? What is it that these thriving communities are doing differently? Guest speaker Shira Ovide writes the on-demand weekly On Tech and will be featured in this Times virtual event.

As she explores the dynamics of the most active online communities in search of explanations for their success.

To better understand how to handle the intense disputes that arise on internet forums, she hopes to speak with a high-ranking executive at a popular community platform and a former contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

How to Start an Online Conversation?

1. Choose the Right Platform: Depending on the nature of the conversation, select an appropriate platform. For professional discussions, platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams might be ideal. For casual chats, messaging apps or social media might be more fitting.
2. Begin with a Greeting: Start with a simple ‘hello’ or a relevant opening based on the context, much like you would in person.
3. Be Genuine: Authenticity goes a long way online. It’s essential to be yourself and express genuine interest in the conversation.
4. Use Emojis Sparingly: Emojis can help convey emotions, but overusing them can dilute the message.

How to Find a Community Online?

1. Identify Your Interests: Knowing what you’re passionate about will help you find like-minded individuals.
2. Research Platforms: Websites like Reddit, Quora, or niche-specific forums can be goldmines for finding communities.
3. Join Social Media Groups: Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have countless groups dedicated to specific interests.
4. Attend Virtual Events: Webinars, online workshops, or virtual meetups can help you connect with people with similar passions.

Top 10 Apps for Healthy Conversations Online:

1. WhatsApp: For personal and group chats.
2. Zoom: Ideal for professional meetings and webinars.
3. Slack: For team collaborations.
4. Reddit: To dive deep into niche-specific discussions.
5. Discord: For gaming and topic-specific communities.
6. Facebook Messenger: For personal chats and group discussions.
7. Microsoft Teams: For professional team collaborations.
8. Telegram: Known for its security features.
9. Clubhouse: For voice-based group discussions.
10. Signal: A privacy-centric messaging app.

Why is it Easier to Talk Online Than in Person?

Online conversations can often be less intimidating. The absence of physical presence can make individuals more open and less susceptible to social anxieties. Plus, the ability to think before you type can also make digital discussions more thoughtful.

Navigating Difficult Conversations Online:

When faced with challenging topics:

1. Stay Calm: Remember, tone is harder to discern online.
2. Ask Questions: Ensure you understand the other person’s viewpoint.
3. Avoid Personal Attacks: Focus on the topic, not the individual.
4. Know When to Step Back: If the conversation isn’t productive, it’s okay to take a break or leave.

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Conclusion

After the COVID-19 outbreak began, our time spent online has increased dramatically. We have virtual offices, hold video conferences, and kill time on social media. Over a third of all Americans claim they are now online all the time.

With this in mind, you may be wondering how to initiate a discussion in a digital setting. As a result, we need to reevaluate our strategies for interacting with one another in the digital sphere.

We have no way of knowing the speaker’s tone or body language when using a chat app. There’s an extra dose of nervousness when it comes to sending that initial message in an online conversation. Feelings of rejection are at an all-time high.

The digital realm offers a plethora of opportunities for meaningful conversations. With the right approach and tools, individuals can have enriching interactions, build communities, and foster understanding in the vast online world.