Today in class we discussed the different facets of support we receive through face-to-face (FTF) interaction and also EMC. All types of support were put into categories: emotional, esteem, information, tangible, and network. We were then instructed to think of people who provide us with different types of support and whether it was FTF or EMC. By default the first people I thought of were my friends and family back home. The most common type of support between them was emotional and esteem, which is to be expected. When we feel homesick or alone we find comfort in our friends and family back home. Most of the time we are comforted through reassuring phone calls and motivating text messages. The exercise made me realize that most of the support I received originated from FTF connections but has transitioned to being through EMC. There is a stigma to EMC connections is that they are not real or as real as FTF connections. When I receive support from my friends and family back home it still feels real. It keeps me going knowing they are still there whenever I need them. And it entertains me seeing my mom hold the camera really close to her face whenever we FaceTime.
While also analyzing the different aspects of support I struggled assigning one type to one individual. It's impossible to say I am friends with someone for one reason and one reason only. My friends are people I can laugh, cry, and steal food from. They support me in every way possible. Learning about social support made me appreciate and miss my family and friends a little bit more. I never really thought about the different ways I receive support until now. This class is really making me think about all types of relationships and connections. It's dope though.
7 comments:
Zeke, I found the exercise in class difficult as well. It was hard for me to pin point where I get my support but it did help me appreciate it. I call my parents every week and that phone call always helps, especially when I'm going through a hard time. I'm also pretty lazy and EMC makes it so easy to reach out to people I love, even if they're far away. I think EMC has made me a more social person overall, it has helped me see the people who I want in my life. EMC keeps my relationships in tact and also adds to them! I also loved the picture of your loved ones, so cute!
Loved this post Zeke. The more i read about how interact with your family the more it got me thinking about mine. I'm also on board with you about how EMC is great for keeping people connected even if it may not be as authentic as FTF it is still a great way to stay in touch. Now with that said i'm going to have a contact my moma.
I thought it was very interesting how you brought in personal experiences and relationships into your post. I agree that EMC is not the best for creating relationships but is very useful in maintaining them.
Thanks for sharing your personal reaction to that in-class activity. I found very similar things when thinking of the relationships in my life and support they provide. I like the picture you included!
The second I saw your picture I instantly started to miss my family too! I really appreciate your post and the honesty that you convey. Keep up the good work.
I have found the same thing. The majority of my strong relationships are derived from face to face connections, but technology has helped me keep the connections going.
Totally agree. I only see my parents once or twice a year because of distance so I receive most of my support and advice via EMC. It keeps the relationships the same as if we saw each other every weekend.
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