Thursday, April 14, 2011

Changes In Communications In A Modern World

By Bruce Jopples


Communications in a modern world are much different and continuing to change forms compared to those used in the past. There are not only new ways to communicate now, but also new forms of language as well. These modern forms are more technologically advanced and promote shorter, more informal and impersonal communication.

In the past, communication was done primarily face to face, by telephone, or through a written letter sent through the postal service. Most people preferred face to face communication since it allows for higher quality communication complete with body language, tone of voice, voice inflection, and a generally more personal connection. When that wasn't available, a phone call was the next best thing. And written letters were normally the last choice since they were poorer forms of communication, and took longer to deliver.

Recently however, communications methods have changed to utilize technology much, much more. Computers have made it possible to send mail electronically (email), to one or more people almost instantly. This has made using the postal service for personal communication almost obsolete.

The technology that started this shift is the combination of personal computers and the internet. This technology has allowed for people to send a message to one or more people at the same time, and have them receive it almost instantly. This is obviously a huge benefit compared to written letters sent by the postal service.

Not only that, but cell phones have become so high tech and have so many features and functions that there is a whole new genre called smartphones. Smartphones are basically cell phones with the power of a personal computer packed into them. They allow for text messaging; internet browsing; email communication; taking, sending, and receiving pictures and videos; and downloading and using applications (apps) which adds an almost unlimited amount of additional functionality.

Communication is becoming increasingly impersonal, less verbal, and more written words based. Instant messaging and text messaging have led to what is almost a new language composed of shortened phonetic words and acronyms. Words like u (you), brb (be right back), lol (laughing out loud), and y (why), are being used so much now that most of the population would have no problem understanding a sentence containing them like they would have ten or twenty years ago.

With the recent changes in communications in a modern world, new ways of communicating can be expected to continue to be introduced. And the most recent forms of communication will be more and more important to understand how to use as well. Technology and communication have been irrevocably intertwined with each other now and for the foreseeable future.




About the Author:



No comments: