A timeline of communication

In the past 50 years, technology has been responsible for many changes in how we communicate. Many of the changes have taken place in the media and the speed at which we communicate. Some essential means of communication have not changed: thoughtfulness, clarity of expression, and good listening 

Over the last ten years, technology has made many powerful changes in communication, some good and some not as good. Here are some changes that have played a big part in the change.

1. Communication abundance - It is less costly to have live, interactive conversations using many types of media, which include Skype. The downside of this is that it is so cheap as to the point of being free; people do not seem to give it much thought when communicating this way.

2. Asynchronous conversations - The advantage of using email is that it gives you time to think about what you have written before you hit the send button. Writing letters had become a lost art, so to speak, when many people used to keep letters they received as keepsakes. Now we fire off emails without thinking or editing them, as many people read an email and delete it as if it is unimportant.

3. Less face time - We have become more reliant on mobile devices that we have far fewer face-to-face conversations with people. When speaking face-to-face, people tend to stop to think about what they are saying before they say it or at least stop and correct what they just said to clarify it.

4. Self-Expression unleashed - Because of such things as blogs, Twitter, and many other social media sites, practically anybody can find an audience for what they want to say. While Twitter is an excellent site for getting information out during a disaster, it can also become a place for haters who want to spew their hatred

Technology has done amazing things for communication in our society but has also created some unfortunate issues. Technology has changed the landscape of face-to-face interaction; we do not need it as much anymore. However, creating a personal connection in business is essential, and sometimes only communicating through technology can appear impersonal. Body language and tone of voice are essential parts of interacting with one another but can be ‘lost in translation when communicating virtually. It is essential to use technology to communicate in the preferred way and method of your client, but if you can meet them face to face, in the safest manner possible.

Reference

 Krug, G. (2012). Communication, Technology and Cultural Change.