The way people communicate has been altered significantly by the advances in information technologies. Moreover, the growing popularity of social media continues to enhance the way people perceive their interlocutors and their ability to reach a broad audience when it is needed. The perception of social media varies significantly, and the reasons that underlie different approaches should be considered in order to fully understand the way social media improve communication skills.
The effects that social media may have on a person’s development and ability to communicate with others have proven to be controversial. Alqahtani (2019) notes that it has recently become vivid that the excessive use of social media and the mere availability of any information on the Internet can seriously undermine youngsters’ ability to communicate. Some researchers even refer to the widespread phenomenon as “digital dementia”. Although there are numerous studies criticizing the immense popularity of social media and the impact they have on society, the actual benefits of such networks can already be observed in everyday life.
When a person is exposed to a completely different environment, he/she has to adapt to it and find the means to establish proper relationships with others. Taking into consideration the great number of micro-societies that are represented by various communities and groups on social media, people get the chance to learn about other cultures, subcultures, religions, and political movements. Thus, they acquire the skills needed to communicate with different social groups. People become better speakers and listeners, which enhances civil society.
The use of social media allows for great popularity and even substantial income streams. Due to the automation process and stagnating incomes, being able to convey a message to thousands (or even millions of people) has become a job in its own right. More and more people get actively involved in it, and their attempts (even unsuccessful ones) enhance their communication skills due to everyday practice and the necessity to provide entertaining and engaging content.
Social media are central to the implementation of current shifts in society. People are expected to become more open-minded and interact with any kind of personalities in order to achieve success in most spheres of life. Moreover, society expects all its members to adjust rapidly to such an approach. Therefore, the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to master this vital part of soft skills should not be undermined.
References
Alqahtani, A. S. (2019). Examining the relationship between academic leaders’ communication skills and their social media usage. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 18(6), 55–67. Web.