CMC QUESTIONS & ANSWER

   

Assalamualaikum Wbt..

Dear our readers, we have been given several questions regarding CMC (Computer Mediated Communication). From our discussion and brainstorming, alhamdulillah we have come with these answers:

      1)      How has CMC transform the dynamics of interactions?

CMC transforms the mode of interactions by making it more flexible in which people from various places inside the country or outside any country can be connected via various Computer Mediated Communication’s applications such as Facebook, Twitter, E-mail, Yahoo!Messenger, Instant Messaging ,and  Online Forums anytime and anywhere as long as they are connected to the Internet. Communications and interactions become very fast, easy, flexible, and effective because everything is at the end of fingertips. If compare to world before the emergence of CMC, people who live far away from certain country can interact through letters via post and that takes a very long time to achieve the letter and to have the reply. Fortunately, with CMC, everything becomes very fast and effective. However, in some ways, CMC has change the dynamics of interactions in which people have less face to face interactions and thus the interpersonal speaking skills are less enhanced.

   

      2)      How has this transformation shape society?

This transformation helps build a better society that is advanced in using ICT. People are more aware with the current issues as they are fast widespread through many applications such as Facebook and Twitter in which they can share the news and tag others to know about the current news and issues. In addition, the discussions that available in online forums make people more open minded as they can discuss many issues and gain many sources. Therefore, it makes various terms of socialization accessible to society.

Besides, through certain CMC applications, people can interact with the country leaders in which it is less possible in real face to face interactions. For example, many Malaysian leaders own facebook , twitter and email in which ordinary people can contact them through these applications.

Apart from that, this transformation allows many possibilities in education. Teacher and students can utilize various applications of CMC in teaching and learning process. For example, Google Group allows teacher to virtually interact with students via online forums. There is also Whassap Application which can be used as a tool for group discussion. E-Learning allows instructors to post learning materials, give assignments, announcements, and also forum discussion. Thus, CMC makes society becomes more enlightened in the field of education.

      3)      Is this mode of communication in sync with Islam?

Islam allows muslims to interact using various methods including CMC but they must observe four crucial aspects:

a)      Intention

-Firstly, the most important thing that can guide muslims whether they are in the right path or not is the intention. They should use any CMC applications with the right intentions for example to strengthen family bonding or relationship among friends, to be united in Islamic brotherhood, and to help spreading the Islamic messages.

b)      Akhlaq (attitudes)

People must aware that by using asynchronous or synchronous CMC, they are actually ‘protected’ by the computer screen. Even they are not interacting in reality, but they must follow the attitudes outlined by Islam in socialization. For example, they should not freely expose themselves by uploading inappropriate personal pictures and for different gender; there are certain limitations in socialization such as discussing only important issues.

c)       Adab in speech (manner in speech)

Islam emphasizes on the good relationship among fellow human being. Therefore, in communication through computer, people should consider their manner is speech. For example, do not hurt others feeling by using inappropriate words and avoid humiliating each other.

d)      Observing time

Time is crucial in our life. Islam always reminds the followers to observe time in any aspects. As for communication via computer, sometimes the users busy chatting or using Facebook therefore they failed to manage the time properly. Therefore, it is important to utilize the applications in a good way and observe time properly.

  

By that, we end our post today with a food for thought:

Thank You!