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How changes in technology have changed communication

It’s clear that over the years our social media, digital tools, and technological devices have all advanced. The result, of course, is that the communication field has naturally shifted to adapt and embrace new advancements.  “The most obvious way technology has changed communication is by saving time and money,” allowing us to get messages out quickly and to a large number of people at once (O’Brien, 2020).  But there’s other changes as well, such as us keeping in touch with people we may not have been able to previously, having access to products we may not have seen passing through a store, or allowing us to share information, when previously that job was left to journalists.  And because of the rate at which the shifts occurred, it’s easy for a business or a communicator to get lost, losing their audience to platforms that are more connected with audiences’ needs.

More than anything, the changes in technology have made everything -- from the actual tech itself, to the variety of social media sites -- easier and more accessible.  Take, for instance, our phones.  A few decades ago, we could only speak to someone if they were at home. Now, not only is virtually everyone reachable, but many choose to use technology as a way to communicate.  As the Pew Research Center has found, something like 73% of all Americans choose to use social media.  That kind of instant access automatically makes it easier to communicate.  Does that mean that our world getting smaller is automatically a positive result? Not always.  This video,


discusses the impact that too much technology reliance can have on interpersonal communication.  Many of us may have witnessed how in social settings, people tend to have their heads bent down, staring at a screen, rather than being forced into awkward conversations.  But when we aren’t placed into a situation where we must talk to others, then we never hone in on those communication skills necessary for navigating various situations.  It’s a give and take. Understanding how the changes in technology have affected our communication is essential to making sure we continue to strive for communicating effectively. 

References

Armstrong, S., Barrett, A., & Cowell, E. “The impact of technology on communication.” 

Youtube. https://youtu.be/SvIrLC7bCjQ

O’Brien, S. (2020, September 20). “4 ways technology has revolutionized communication.” 

Business 2 community. https://www.business2community.com/communications/4-ways-technology-has-revolutionized-communication-02348837

“Social media fact sheet.” (2021, April 7). The pew research center. 

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/


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