Social Microcosm - revisited
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:47 pm
This topic was deleted before, but it needs to be revisited, as it's been over a year. Fortunately I saved it Here we go:What is a Social Microcosm?When I was in graduate school, each student had to participate in group therapy (it was a social work program). We did this for a couple reasons. Number one: everyone has crap to deal with and it was a support network while we interned. Number two: a group is a social microcosm of the larger social world. I learned some very important things about peer interactions.Why am I telling you this? Because this board is a social microcosm of the larger social world; and the interactions that take place here are much like group therapy. How so? It's a setting for personal relationships; support; feedback; a sense of community; a forum for solving problems. Most importantly, it's a social interaction. Here are the textbook goals for group therapy: forum for people to disclose their feelings; enhance empathy as others express their feelings; social exchange; foster a sense of security and community; learn the difference between socially appropriate and unacceptable behavior; increase tolerance; provide a link to others.So what's my point? This board is like group therapy and it does represent a social microcosm of life outside the MB. My opinion is that ultimately your "true" personality surfaces regardless of the fact that these MB interactions aren't face to face. Like I said, this board is a social microcosm of the larger society - the way you act on the board is probably much like the way that you act in the larger society. Consequently, the way that people respond to you is probably much like the way that they respond to you in the larger society. My hunch is that those that stir up controversy on the board probably stir up controversy in larger society. My hunch is that those who constantly complain and feel like the scapegoat probably complain and feel scapegoated in larger society. My hunch is that those who aren't happy here probably aren't happy in their life outside of the MB. My hunch is also that people who triangulate and try to win favor from others by triangulating probably have troubled social interactions both on and off the MB. The way that you deal with others and the way that others deal with you on this MB is probably a fairly accurate depiction of your life in society. Please take the opportunity for self-reflection - that's what the board is all about.I'm not trying to be a therapist or a preacher or anything of the sort. It's just disappointing to me that the board has changed its tone due to the recent "unfriendly allegations" and "attacking." About a month ago, the board was entertaining and even hilarious. I have met some incredible people here - people who have, in such a short time, made an impact on me! This board is great for social interaction and it's great for self-reflection. Please use it as such. And those who aren't happy here...Is it JUST this board that makes you that unhappy?! If you answered yes, why do you return time and time again?!