The Psychogical Profile of Online Social Networkers

No offence, but in the online social networking space, I've found many people to be quite (ironically) anti-social (back to this later). This week there was a pretty average news article put out by the BBC titled 'Online networking harms health'. Nothing new here - same old stuff about people who use computers loose social skills - that kind of thing. However, there is a very good psychological, evidence based retort to this article by Dr John Grohol here. Dr Grohol argues in essence that:

"The Internet’s not the problem — the Internet is a solution for lonely people."

He says that people who use the Internet a lot, especially online social networkers have found a vehicle through which they can adequately interact with the rest of the world. It's a very compelling article. Which brings me back to my observations about the anti-social nature of the people in this space.

Some of the online social networkers I've met online appear to be extremely opinionated, hostile, judgemental, and very black and white. If they displayed such characteristics in the offline world they would find it very difficult to form long term stable relationships with others. I would further guess that many people in this space are extroverted, and love interacting with others, yet find it difficult to do so (probably for the preceding reasons).

My concern with all of this is that in the online social networking space many people are practicing behaviours that are indeed really quite anti-social. Therefore they will find themselves increasingly confined to effective communications in the online space only. Practice being an opinionated twat online - and that's what you'll become! The implication of this is ghastly.

So here's my suggestion. Have a look at all the posts and comments you've written - what do they say about you? If you are active online - then treat each other well. Practice pro-social behaviour. Be good to each other and supportive, not grumpy, judgemental, and mean spirited.

To round this off, check out Adrian Chan's work on looking at the personality profiles of online social networky types here.

Australian Psychological Society Bushfire Response

Below is how the Australian Psychological Society is helping with the response to the tragic bushfires in Victoria. Some things are more important than 'consuming'.

The APS is responding to the situation in a number of ways, including:

• Working with authorities to coordinate the provision of psychological assistance as required. Interested psychologists are requested to contact the APS at disasterregister@psychology.org.au.
• Liaising with government to coordinate activities and to promote evidence-based practice that suggests that the real need for specific psychological support is likely to come into play some weeks after the disaster event. In the meantime, current best practice recommends the provision of psychological first aid, which is aptly provided by disaster relief workers or mental health workers who provide early assistance to people affected by disasters or emergencies.
• Developing guidelines for emergency services and local authorities regarding appropriate responses in the initial phase after the bushfire.
• Drafting guidelines for GPs on working with people affected by the bushfires in liaison with the Commonwealth National Disaster Response Committee.
• Distributing our existing bushfire and disaster response material via not only the APS but also the Australian General Practice Network, the Royal Australian College of General
• Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.
• A media release which provides advice on psychological distress arising from these events.
• Providing a new section on the website with updates and resources – see http://www.psychology.org.au.

Lara Bingle's Comfy Shoes

Lara Bingle is engaged to the Australian cricket team's Vice Captain, Michael Clarke. She's well known for her fashion, car (Aston Martin), previous boyfriends, and being the 'star' of the very ugly 'Where the bloody hell are you?' Australian Tourism campaign.

However, it's her latest comment I find most interesting. She was at the 'Allan Border Medal Ceremony' last night wearing very high heels.

When asked why she was wearing them she said "They're Louis Vuitton. They're very comfortable.''

It amazes me that people still say things like this. People need to realise that they buy for image and emotion, but need to justify their purchases rationally, both to others and themselves. Is she kidding herself - yes.

I would love to have heard her say the truth, something along the lines of, "They're Louis Vuitton. I love the way they are extremely expensive and not everyone can afford to own a pair. They help me feel more important, and part of an elite crowd of people. I feel a little insecure at black tie functions and they help me feel like I belong".

Comfort obviously has nothing to do with it.

As a sweeping statement we buy on emotion, and justify rationally.

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