Journal 1

“Writing as a Problem Solving Strategy” By Anita McAnear

This article opens with Anita McAnear’s declaration that writing is a problem-solving activity. With blogs, social networking and other ways to communicate online, students are encouraged to write. Writing now becomes an entertaining and very social event. Since writing solves problems and the medium encourages writing, McAnear concludes that problems are therefore being solved. A person’s thoughts are sent out into cyberspace to be shared and commented upon. A dialog is created where, in theory, problems can be solved. Whatever the problem, someone will step up to the plate with some free advice or at least empathy.
Most people do not enjoy writing. Writing is difficult. Even bad writing forces a certain degree of deliberation and clarity. The ‘cognitive process’ described by McAnear certainly must occur in cyberspace and that is a good thing. The more experience one gets at using words in a thoughtful way the more skilled they become at writing.

Question: What types of problems are being solved using this medium?

The problem of socialization is perhaps being solved for those without any other outlet. Friendships can be forged. It can sometimes help just to have someone ‘listen.’ It can also be said that whatever your problem, someone else shares the same dilemma. It can help to know that somebody has had a similar experience.

Question: What types of problems cannot be solved using this medium?

The medium is both social and isolating. I worry that for every person that finds friendship, love or companionship online that many more use cyberspace as an alternative to a more real social experience.