The way in which we talk (revised)

An understanding of how changes in technology impact on the way humans communicate, and the ethical issues that surround these changes 

Have you ever noticed that on a train or a bus, people are engulfed by what is on their personal device rather than what is happening around them? It’s quite astounding to say the least.

The ways in which humans communicate has changed dramatically. Gone are the days where humans would communicate physically. Communication over the centuries has changed from ink and quill on a scroll, to posting a letter, or being put through to the recipient by an operator when telephoning. Now days the Internet, smartphones, notebooks, tablets and social media have reinvented traditional modes of everyday communication again.

The introduction of the World Wide Web after its development from ARPANET has become a majorly significant part of society (Hauben, 2007). Today there is a heavy reliance on the Internet and its enablers to ensure businesses, public services and other facilities are working 24/7 in order to fulfil needs and wants of internet users. These modern-day tools are enabling humans to communicate from across the globe and international borders for business and leisure use. 

Cyber-Bullying by Edicions La Veu Del Pais - 2016
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The rise of social media platforms have become a valuable way of communicating to family, friends and other close contacts. It is also being used to meet new people for a variety of reasons i.e. seeking out other like-minded professionals and relationships. 

Conversely, it can be argued that being involved in social media platforms can have adverse effects. The main ethical issue surrounding social media is the one of bullying, specifically cyber bullying, which is now a major issue in today's society. With communication channels now accessible beyond the typical 9-3pm day, whether it be at work or school, nasty comments and messages are a mere click of a button away. With accessibility becoming so simple, bullying is easier and more harmful than in the past due to a lack of additional communication methods involved, such as body language.

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Original Blog Post

Evidently, although society is reliant on the use of technology, basic human social skills can be underdeveloped (Byron, 2008). Byron argues that regardless of whether there was any intent or not, email characteristics make miscommunication probable and that recipients often misinterpret emails as more emotionally negative or neutral than intended (Byron, 2008).  Arguably, this can be scattered across all new-technology communication devices and applications, that although the opportunities are endless, the margin for misinterpretation of not only text but body language. 

In regards to the feedback I have received from Aleacia McIntyre. The ways in which the communications will most likely always be flawed however, through the means of emoji's that are quite prominent these days may have a role to play and if used correctly may be useful. The use of video-calling may be an efficient means in some cases, however, not everyone has a webcam and can video call and also a sturdy internet connection is needed. Thanks for your feedback I really appreciate your thought provoking question!

References: 

Byron, K. (2008). Carrying too heavy a load? The communication and miscommunication of emotion by email. Academy of Management Review, 33(2).

Edicions, L.V.D.P. (2016) Cyber bullying.
https://tinyurl.com/yao3e74h  

Hauben, M. (2007). History of ARPANET. History of ARPANET. Available at http://www. dei. isep. ipp. pt/~ acc/docs/arpa. html (14 October 2012).