Positive and Negative Effects of Technology on Communication

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Technology today has a myriad of gadgets and tools to facilitate communication and this has transformed the way people communicate with each other. From the invention of the telegraph to the internet, technology has allowed people connect with family, friends, and colleagues at any location. Moreover, people can express their opinions to larger groups of people instantly that would not have been possible without the advent of technology. However, electronically mediated communication is a double edged sword. At the speed of which technology has provided for communication, being instant and ubiquitous, people are no longer separated by time and space. And because there is no need to overcome it, we no longer make the effort for maintaining personal human relationship through face to face or verbal communication. We are becoming more ignorant towards the feelings and needs of others, since we assume that the other party is able, and expected to convey their feelings to us instantaneously. Consequently, this leads to the degradation of personal communication as we take interpersonal relationships for granted (Shand 2012). This paper will provide an overview on how the way we communicate has changed with technology. Next, this paper will explain the importance of developing communication skills. Lastly, it will discuss the various types of electronically aided communication media and how communication is undermined by technology.
In the past, modes of communication were limited, but personal. People had handwritten letters, telephone calls, and social gatherings. Children would spend time outside, playing together. Communication was personal. The proliferation of communication technology has now given individuals greater choices with ...

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...blish relationship which is crucial, especially for business negotiations, where participants can assess and understand the other party through meaningful engagement. While computer mediated mediums are useful in meetings that does not involve decision making, or when the decisions are not of vital importance, it should not be a substitute for face to face meetings (Arvey n.d.).
In conclusion, technology has had both positive and negative effects on communication. With the ever increasing advancement of communication technology, there is no separation of time and space; we can communicate with anyone, almost everywhere. Reaching out to the masses has never been easier. As a consequence, we get dependent and used to the convenience of communication, we no longer feel the need to spend time on real-life interactions, leading to the dehumanization of communication.

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