The way in which we talk
An understanding of
how changes in technology impact on the way humans communicate, and the ethical
issues that surround these changes
Have you ever been on a train or a bus and looked around to see
everyone engulfed by what’s happening before them on a screen? Rather than what’s
happening around them right there and then in the physical world? 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 via ink and quill on a scroll,
to posting a letter, or being put through to the recipient by an operator when
telephoning. The days of the Internet, smartphones, notebooks, tablets and
social media have reinvented traditional modes of everyday communication.
 |
|
|
The introduction of the World Wide Web after its development
from ARPANET has become a 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 to be working 24/7 in order to fulfil needs
and wants of different people. These modern-day tools are enabling humans to
communicate from across the globe and international borders. The use of these
social media platforms has become a valuable way of communicating to family, friends
and other close contacts. However, it is also being used to meet new people for
a range of different reasons i.e. seeking out other professionals in an
industry, relationships and much more. Although with it can be argued that being
involved in social media platforms may have adverse effects. The main ethical
issue surrounding social media is the one of bullying. Due to the communication
channels being opened and extended from a typical 9-3pm day, whether it be at
work or school, bullying can now be with you wherever you go.
Additionally, although society is reliant on the use of technology
basic human social skills can be hindered (Byron, 2008). Byron argues that regardless
of whether there was any intent or not that 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 has been affected immensely.
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).
Omanakuttan, K. (2013). The Hard Talk.
https://tinyurl.com/ychqrpzz
Comments
Post a Comment