The Impact of Technology on Communication

The impact of technology on communication is both positive and negative. But, if you really think about it technology has made the communication process better, even though it may have harmed the way we communicate face to face.

From the invention of the telegraph and the telephone to the start of the internet, technology has given people the tools to not only keep in touch with each other, but also to express opinions to a wider audience.

Here are the positive and negative impacts of technology on communication…

Positive Impact
Technology has changed the big, wide world into a tiny global village. Thanks to technology we now have the power to communicate with anybody, even your long, lost cousin in Iceland! Here are some of the benefits:

- No barriers. Communication is now very easy, when you want to communicate something urgent to someone, all you have to do is pick up your smartphone or send them an email.
- Strengthened relations. Technology has made it so easy to keep in touch with old friends, and has also helped strengthen relationships.
- Better solutions. Technology has brought the world closer together and encouraged the exchange of thoughts to find better solutions to problems.
-  E-schools. Services like video-conferencing have made it possible to give the best education to students via expert facilities on the web.
- Impact on relations. Thanks to dating and chatting websites, finding someone to date has never been easier. Video chats and social networking sites have played a big role in keeping people in touch; just make sure to be careful about the people you communicate with.
- Development. Technological advancements in the modes of communication have promoted faster decision-making, and led to the development and progress of the world.

Negative Impact
The main negative effect of technology is definitely the fact that the charm of the good old world is missing. The letters and face-to-face conversations have disappeared and been replaced by social media and texting.

-  Impact on interpersonal communication. The current generation lacks essential interpersonal skills. The major reason for this is they communicate majority over texts and social media.
- Effect on nonverbal communication. Lack of face-to-face communication has really reduced the nonverbal grasping of individuals.
- Near yet far. Teenagers are especially hooked on social networking sites, this has also created a gap between kids and their parents.
- Reduced social interactions. Life has changed a lot; there are no more social meetings and get-togethers. People are more bothered about their online life than their real social life.
- Addictions. People have literally become addicted to the internet and their digital devices, this addiction can lead to many anxiety disorders. People addicted to the internet feel lonely and isolated. - Malicious motives. Many people abuse the social networking sites and communicate to people pretending to be someone else. This has done a lot of harm.

As you can see, the positive points of the technological advancements cover up the negative points. It all depends on how we use these means; use technological means of communication for sane purposes, and don’t abuse them.

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