You’ve Got Mail

I saw this movie when it first came out and I will admit that I like the movie better the second time around.  Each character came across differently for their online “personality.”  Tom Hanks is a very nice guy both in person and online, but in person he also has a strong personality when confronted and very quick with come backs when Meg Ryan confronts hime for having a book chain store.  In their online communication the characters took part in both Synchronous communication, this happened when they were both online at the same time and answered each others emails in real time.  They mostly took part in asychronous communication and answered each others emails when they were able to get back to the other. 

 

Also, when you are online you can be someone different than what you really are.  After he realized it was Meg Ryan that he was talking to he beganj to feel remorse and emailed her and his nice side came out.  Tom Hanks was able to show his remore (without her knowing) for standing her up. 

We can account for their feelings of coming closer emotionally before meeting because they helped fill a void each was missing.  They were there for each other when the times were tough and gave each other a pep talk to raise their spirits. 

On a personal note I will say that I met my husband online.  This type of meeting is becoming more popular (except for with my mom because she doesn’t know) with people looking for friends, old acquaintances, or the love of their life.  It is easy to protray yourself as someone you are not.  I will say though that both my husband and I were very honest with who we were and what we wanted, but it would be very easy to lie or stretch the truth a little.  Because of this, I will say this scenario is very likely in the real world.  My ex-husband’s girlfriend and him met online, my aunt met her boyfriend online, and many of my friends have met significant others online.  I look at it this way, we can’t be everywhere, we can’t meet everyone, so why not look online.  You can put in your preferences in a mate and do the search.   One part of the movie I didn’t quite think would happen is not knowing what the other person looks like.  Most of us are first attracted to our mate (and friends) by their outside appearance.  Meg Ryan and Tom Hands had no idea what the other looked like before meeting.  (Granted the movie wouldn’t happen then)  So this is the one part I don’t believe happens this way. 

According to Postman we are a tool using culture (pg. 25).  I believe this is another reason why we go towards the computer.  We use it as a tool to fulfill what we are missing.  The internet can be used for communication with loved ones who live far away, or for work, or even just as a passtime for playing games or just surfing the net.

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