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From: taylor@hplabsc.UUCP
Newsgroups: mod.comp-soc
Subject: Re: Inquiry concerning misunderstandings arising from computer mail
Message-ID: <1347@hplabsc.HP.COM>
Date: Tue, 24-Feb-87 14:48:36 EST
Article-I.D.: hplabsc.1347
Posted: Tue Feb 24 14:48:36 1987
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   There has been a great deal of discussion on the advantages and 
disadvantages of the e-mail explosion.  Everyone seems to agree that
the increase in communication is good overall, but there is some 
concern that written communications has deficiencies which are lacking
in verbal communications.  I do not think this is something to 
worry about.  The problem is not that written words necessarily
distort meaning; the problem is that people are not as familiar
with the ins and outs of written communications as they are with
verbal.  This is not the individual's fault.  Our society has for the 
last 40 years relied heavily on the television and the telephone 
for long distance communications.  Advanced transportation has also 
increased the oppurtunity for face to face interaction.  
These trends have reduced the need for personal written letters delivered 
through the post, (increases in postal volume are more a result of 
systematic mailings such as bills, junk mail, etc).  In short,
our writing skills have atrophed, (or never given an opportunity 
to develop).  I feel this will change as more children grow up 
in a society where e-mail is a fact of life.  The school system
in my hometown (Foxborough, MA) has already distributed 100+
PC's amongst approximately 2000 students grades K-12.  These
children may not be on USENET, but they do have keyboards in front
of them.  I was in high school when the first PC's were hitting the market,
there are now fourth graders with access to Mac's!  I expect 
to be amazed by the progress of my children as they grow up.
They will probably know what I know at half my age.