Windows and Mirrors Ch.1-3

The first three chapters of “Windows and Mirrors” concerned the process of communication. In these chapters we learn that the process of communication includes three vital aspects. These aspects are sender, receiver, message, and medium. However, the founder of media theory and communication scholar, Marshall McLuhan, expressed the belief that the medium is the message. He also suggested that the medium serves as the environment. I found both of McLuhan’s assertion to be very eye opening and even clarifying in the process of communication. Today a very popular, most likely the most popular, means of communication is text messaging. Before I will pick up a phone to call someone or write them a letter, I will reach for my phone and send them a text. McLuhan’s suggestion that the medium is the message, opened my eyes to what “texting” represents or the message it conveys. For one, the receiver cannot hear what I am saying so it is a bit more difficult to convey a tone with texting as opposed to mediums such as talking on the phone or face to face, because the receiver cannot see my expressions or hear my voice. This is often the cause of much confusion and miscommunication, because the receiver cannot convey the tone of the message. The fact that I am just sending a short instant message rather than talking to the person by phone, a letter, or face to face conveys the message that I do not have the time or want to take the time to speak with the receiver.

            The medium serving as the environment makes me think of people getting engulfed in the media. Many people are on the internet for hours doing work, sending emails, playing games, and much more. This has caused the internet to become the environment or the place where the activity is taking place.