Introduction
The term technology has a broad meaning and can imply different artifacts used to develop computers. The term can also refer to those tactics applied in the process of designing these artifacts. Researchers have revealed diverse categories of technology. For instance, the onset of computer technology in the early 19th century has resulted to the development of other technologies. For example, both the internet and information technology emerged immediately after the invention of computer technology. Consequently, the emergence of these technologies has made communication easier, but the probability of people meet has tremendously reduced. Therefore, this document discusses the main usefulness of technology in communication, as well as the effects of the reduced contact as people continue to hold onto these communication technologies.
Computer-Aided Communication
The effect of “Computer-Mediated Communication” (CMC) has continued to draw the attention of a large proportion of researchers (Weiten, Dunn, and Hammer 245). Their key reason for their sustained participation in such an endeavor is due to its significance. Communication technology continues to play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and convenience in communication. This communication mode utilizes varied avenues such as faxes, texts, emails, as well as the increasing social sites used for networking purposes. It is worth noting that such communication modes have a myriad of benefits. For instance, evidence has revealed that this technology has recently enhanced the issue of accessibility as individuals situated at a distance apart can efficiently communicate despite the size of the distance between them. As a result, it has been deemed possible to communicate with people situated in different cities and states. Additionally, CMC is of significance in cases of socially awkward individuals. The invention of communication technology has aided in the formation of some social forums that allow people to participate while at their places of residence (Weiten, Dunn, and Hammer 248). This, as a result, has provided some relief to the antisocial category of individuals.
However, these researchers have decided to explore some of the negative effects that may occur due to communication that is devoid of direct contact. They continue to criticize any form of communication taking place over the internet due to a number of issues as much as they consider the effects of direct contact. According to Wood, such communication technologies fail to provide room for kinesics behaviors that are inherent in face-face communication. They, therefore, fail to count on the many nonverbal signals normally essential for a number of communication processes.
Negative effects of communication in response to the reduced personal contact
It is evident that communication via the internet is deficient in the most crucial elements that encompass effective and fulfilling communication. This is because an effective communication process is characterized by turn-backs, feedbacks, facial expressions, as well as the depiction of an individual’s attitude (Kappas and Kramer 82). Therefore, the fact that individuals communicate while at a distance apart is a clear indication that such behaviors are almost impossible to utilize. However, the current technological advancement has ensured that interlocutors have devised a way of incorporating such nonverbal behaviors in their written communication. Although the continued use of communication technology has eliminated most of the inherent communication barriers, it lacks the communication of an individual’s true feelings because no contact occurs between the involved parties (Wood 123).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is perceptible that the invention of communication technology is crucial since it has helped facilitate communication between individuals located apart. The usage of computer-aided communication has enhanced efficacy, accessibility, as well as reliability. However, it is evident that it is impossible to portray the most significant non-verbal behaviors that help in the communication of an individual’s feelings, attitude, impressions, as well as their interpersonal attitudes. Therefore, it is clear that communication technology is necessary for communication, but similarly, individuals should aim at ensuring direct communication in case one endeavors to discuss matters of momentous interest.
Works Cited
Kappas, Arvid and Kramer, Nicole. Face-to-face communication over the internet: emotions in a web of culture, language, and technology. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2011. Print.
Weiten, Wayne, Dunn, Dana, and Hammer, Elizabeth. Psychology applied to modern life: adjustment in the 21st century. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.
Wood, Julia. Interpersonal communication: everyday encounters. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, 2009. Print.