Assignment 6.1

Almost every teenager in the United States has chatted with friends through instant messaging, a synchronous text-based online space. From discussing homework assignments to setting up a time to meet, IM has become a prevalent space to exchange ideas and opinions. Just like in any other setting though, there are rules to follow and repercussions for those who choose not to. This will be the focus of my post. This week, I will elaborate on conventions found in instant messaging (do not curse excessively), and how these standards are enforced (Leviathan).

A norm is a way of performing or completing a task so that it complies with the standard set by society. These standards are related to cultural factors and depend greatly on the environment and setting where the actions take place. Some of our norms include: shaking the person’s hand when being introduced and giving presents on birthdays. Online spaces follow norms as well. People become aware of these norms over time. The more time one spends online, the more likely he or she is to be knowledgeable of all the standards and conventions. Further observing friends and family use AIM helps understand what is acceptable and what is not. There are no official guidelines but the user can learn the rules from the person he or she is speaking to and by (unintentionally and intentionally) mimicking their use of language.

Playing by the rules is not only important in face to face interactions but also when conversing through instant messaging (CMC). There are several standards that people follow when talking online. For instance, we all know what “brb”, “ttyl” and “tnx” mean. Another norm is that a person might use caps lock to indicate anger and frustration. Finally, one of the most crucial norms is that one should never make excessive use of curse words when talking on IM. Besides being rude and vulgar, cursing might make the other user feel uncomfortable and uneasy. It is a general norm to limit one’s use of improper words. Failing to do so can result in isolation from the rest of the group and exclusion.

In order to maintain a clean and friendly environment, rules must be set. On IM these rules allow the users to know what is acceptable and what is not and makes them feel more secure. Thomas Hobbes proposed the idea of a Leviathan, defined as a “…system of government that we empower to resolve disputes, justly we hope.” (p.69). In an online space, the Leviathan represents the figure who has the power tot enforces our adherence to society’s norms and standards. As stated previously, excessive cursing on AIM is not acceptable. The Leviathan role in AIM is played by the “Warning” function in the conversation window. While talking to person A, person B has the option of sending a warning if the conversation in offensive or unwelcome (too much cursing). This is an example of the “arched eyebrow”, where other users remind the offender that such behavior is unacceptable, before harsher measures are taken (p. 66). Others users can see the number of warnings a person has. Too many warnings can possibly lead to losing the ability to send messages to other users. (www.aim.aol.com).

In conclusion, IM, just like any other space, has rules to follow and enforces (Leviathan) that comply us to follow these norms. Wallace states in chapter 5, that “conforming to social conventions and adhering to laws that restrict our freedoms are…things we need to do to preserve our existence.”, and in this case, the use of IM (p.69).


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