The And Analysis

The AND Analysis

Martin Gutierrez

[Institutional Affiliation(s)]

Author Note

The AND Analysis

Introduction

The video that I selected for analysis is the conversation between Steve and Krystal who met each other three years after they ended their relationship. The Communication Privacy Management Theory will be explained through the analysis of this video.

Video Analysis

The Communication Privacy Management Theory suggests an understanding of the way people decide to reveal or conceal the information that is private. Also known as Communication Boundary Theory, it suggests that the privacy boundaries are maintained and coordinated with several communication partners relying on the information disclosure costs and perceived benefits. This theory is applied to family communication, work environments, health communication, online social media, intercultural communication, and relationship issues. There are five principles of this theory which are as follows:

Individuals believe that it is their right to own and control their private information.

The personal privacy rules are used by the people to control their private information.

Others who are given the access to a person’s private information become the co-owners of his private information.

The other people i.e. the co-owners should agree upon the privacy rules of the person about telling others.

There are chances of boundary turbulence if the privacy rules are not negotiated and followed effectively by the co-owners of private information.

In the video, Krystal and Steve are seen talking to each other about the good and bad days they had during their relationship. Both had a calm and friendly interaction, which shows that they spent a healthy relationship except the dark circumstances that led to their separation. No blame game was seen between the two throughout the conversation. Each of them was accepting his flaws and mistakes that were the cause of their failing relationship and every question was answered calmly and sensibly.

The Communication Privacy Management Theory is demonstrated in the interaction of Steve and Krystal. The information about the privacy of their relationship is controlled by them according to their privacy rules. They are not seen in favor of exposing the private details of their relationship. Only their being together in general and a few events leading to their break up are told by them. The responsibility of co-owners also holds much importance. Krystal mentioned in the video that she has shared their breakup story with a friend of hers. Steve asked her, “How do you describe our breakup to others?” to which she replied, “I was talking to my friend about this the other day because I knew, I thought we were going to hang out may be? I didn’t know if, it wasn’t solidified, but I just explained it as I experienced it. Um, things just got progressively worse. We weren’t in a good spot.” Krystal’s friend is the co-owner of her private information regarding her relationship. She has also become a shareholder oh the private information of Krystal. They would make a mutual boundary around the information. According to the principles of the Communication Privacy Management Theory, her friend should not violate the privacy rules of her information about telling others. If she does so, there would be chances of boundary turbulence caused by her friend. The boundary permeability was kept in mind by both owners of the information. Though there were some events that were disclosed, still both of them kept control of their private information and avoided going into deep discussions. For example, upon the question about the favorite memories Krystal answered, “I guess just like being with you in those intimate moments. Like we wouldn’t have to do a lot to enjoy each other. Like we’d be running errands, or I’d be like in your art studio, or we’d just be hanging out. And just be having a really good time. A really awesome time, like, just the comfortability and everything. Just being together. Side by side. That was cool.”

The privacy rules are different in the eyes of men and women. They differ in following the privacy rules and revealing information to others. Women confidently expressing information in front to the recipients they select while men focus on the appropriate situation for concealing or revealing information. The Communication Privacy Management Theory suggests that the women in America disclose more often than the men. This can also be seen throughout the video that Krystal seems to be more open and expressive as compared to Steve. The privacy rules should be flexible only then they can be effective. If a person breaks up with his partner, he should keep the private information safe as it was safe when they were in relationship. This is considered important in this theory. Krystal and Steve managed to keep their secrets and private information to themselves and did not disclose everything in public. The most important part of the meeting of exes after their breakup is the partner criticism that is common to almost every individual. However, Krystal and Steve wisely answered all the questions without criticizing the other one. Steve confessed that the relationship was a mess because of him as he said, “I was the toxic one. I am sorry,” to which Krystal replied, “It’s Okay.” This shows her resistance to criticize her ex-partner. The Communication Privacy Management Theory encourages the people to think about the concealing and revealing information about their partners and relationships. The individuals should keep the private information protected within the boundary of their privacy and think carefully before revealing any information in front of others.

Conclusion

The individuals engaged in an effective and healthy conversation throughout the video. They were smiling at each other and passing positive comments and compliments for each other. The way Steve tells Krystal that he noticed her wearing the same bright colors she used to wear three years age created a feeling of pathos in the atmosphere. Krystal gave positive, honest and detailed answers that were logical and sensible. She at the end got emotional and started crying as well that is also an emotional reflection in the video. The reason for their breakup was the dishonesty and ditching of Steve on which Krystal reacted madly that made both of them end their relationship. Steve is seen being emotional and thoughtful on what he had done. He entirely accepted his mistakes and apologized a number of times from Krystal. This interaction of the ex-couple can be used for better understanding of the other couples in relation to the Communication Privacy Management Theory as the couple followed all the rules and principles of this theory effectively and managed to create an atmosphere of calmness and positivity. It is useful for the couples who are going through relationship problems and stress about the negativities in their relationship. They may learn some ways to control the private information and manage privacy in their relationships and the public. The co-owners of private information may also learn the management of privacy regarding the information that is shared with them. The way of talking and handling of conversation by both Krystal and Steve is remarkable in this video as none of them lost his or her temper and answered all the questions in a good and calm manner.