Roadblocks

In this world of technology-enhanced social networks, do we actually communicate with our fellow human beings?  Can we actually communicate with them?  Or is it something else?  The more advanced the technology becomes, the more it seems to me to be similar to talking to the mirror, and I worry about it.

Take the current example of the mass shootings at Aurora, Colorado.  In an attempt to communicate my concern of the problem (and I definitely see it as a problem) caused by the proliferation of guns in American society, I posted a satirical piece on a social network site.  It was an attempt to make a point by embarrassing the positions taken by those pro-gun people who read my posts.  The response was quick and to the point--another liberal anti-gun reaction to an isolated incident.

So was my point communicated to the intended people.  Obviously not.  The point is made only to those in my mirror.  So how does one communicate with those whose positions differ from one's own.  Perhaps ridicule is not going to change anyone's mindset.  But does a request for reasonable discussion work?  A request can be made for reasonable discussions on common grounds.  It would seem that the common grounds in this instance is that an approach must be made to reduce gun violence in America.  However, there are people who will not even acknowledge that the problem exists.  So what happens when I say the wall is painted red, and you say it is painted blue, and neither of us is colorblind.  Roadblocks.  What is the source of the roadblocks to communication?  What if there is unwillingness to communicate?  What action do you then take?  What options are left.  You can ignore those who are not in your mirror.  But that will not improve communication in our society.  And I worry that our technology-enhanced communication networks are driving us to avoid all mirrors but our own.