Making Conversation without Conversing: On the Crisis of Human Communication

Magdalena SZPUNAR

Zakład Nowych Mediów, Instytut Dziennikarstwa, Mediów i Komunikacji Społecznej, Uniwersytet Jagielloński, ul. prof. Stanisława Łojasiewicza 4, 30-348 Cracow, Poland , Poland

Abstract

The paper addresses the problem of the decline in authentic, deep conversation, both in the public and the private spheres. Spurious dialogues in which one engages without seeking mutual understanding or communication with others and which are, in fact, disguised monologues, are described by the author as ‘making conversation without conversing.’ The predominance of phatic communication observed in contemporary culture, as well as the waning of empathy, sensitivity, and mindfulness, hinder sincere dialogue and genuine encounter.

Keywords:

conversation, Palo Alto school, silence, mindfulness, psychological cannibalism, sensitivity