Global Communication
Global communication is the ability to express and exchange ideas and understanding internationally through speaking, listening, writing, or reading. It plays a vital role in today’s society. Over the years, however, global communication has changed dramatically and this has promoted the welfare of our society over time (Hamelink, 2015). At the same time, global communication has brought with it some negative consequences in various aspects of our day-to-day lives. The objective of this paper is to look into some of the important benefits as well as the negative implications that global communication has brought.
Benefits of Global Communication
Here are some of the important benefits that global communications has brought to today’s society:
Creates a Global Village Scenario
The world has truly become a smaller place with the rise in global communication. Family, friends, colleagues who are separated by distance can stay connected through the modern electronic communication. Apart from just communicating over the phone, the social networking platforms through the internet have significantly made this process cheaper and faster. Moreover, news and information throughout the world can now travel fast and more efficiently with the help of social networking via the Internet and cable. This significantly increases cultural understanding and peace in the world.
Improves Cultural Education
Global communication has established tools for educating people about the different cultures in the world. For example, the online school learning programs and pen pal programs have made the young generation understand different cultures that we have in the world. More significantly, is that social media has connected people all over the world, especially the youth, and now you will be able to notice that people emulate cultures from other countries; be it dressing, food, sexuality, or even type of housing.
Creates a Wider Market for Businesses
With global communication, it is easier to do business with other countries and regions. Products are no longer constrained to a particular countries or areas that speak the same language. An increase in global communication means new and better business opportunities. Global communication has connected buyers and sellers throughout the world (Wilkins, Straubhaar, & Kumar, 2014). Today, advertising for different products is international. What is more, the cashless credit card system makes it easy to pay for goods and services no matter the currency and country. It is without a doubt that global communication has boosted the sales and revenues of many companies world over.
Availability to Cheaper Labor and Raw Materials
Corporations may be able to search other countries for better rates on labor, raw materials, or even finished goods. Many businesses would prefer to locate a developing country that may produce a similar product or service at a friendlier cost than in their region. These savings will come a long way in ensuring that businesses maximize on the resources they have. Moreover, global communication has allowed businesses to easily purchase and resell previously unavailable goods in your region. For instance, hardwood flooring may be cheaper in China, so you purchase it and then resell it at premium in the USA. This is all because global communication, thanks to the Internet, has broken trade and language barriers between countries.
Shortcomings of Global Communication
As much as it has benefits global communication also has some limitations. Global communications has brought with it financial crisis, and a significant loss of civilization. These negative consequences cannot be ignored in our day-to-day lives. Firstly, in the past decades, people in our society always suffer from recurring financial crisis. The main reason why many people may lose their jobs and be disappointed about their lives is that globalization makes the economy somehow messy. For example, the subprime mortgage crisis that ended in 2009 led to the depreciation of the dollar. This consequently raised the prices of oil and slower the development speed in our society. Also, global communication has led to decline of industries such as the print media. Advertisements brought about 80% of the print media’s revenue. However, many advertisers have shifted to the Internet leaving print media like the newspapers face loses over the years.
Secondly, more and more people are accepting cultures from other countries. This is making them prefer the foreign foods and dressing, while abandoning theirs. This leads to loss of a country’s civilization and national identity. What is more, the advanced technologies that come with global communication make people lazy and less industrious. This is because they have ready-made products at their disposal. People therefore lose their creativity and own consciousness. This affects a large lethality for the national power of a country.
In conclusion, global communication has promoted interactions and relationships between countries. Nowadays, imports and exports are more convenient and faster than before. Over the years, global communication has created and opened ways of thinking and incorporates up-to-date knowledge in whatever we do. The application of and exposure to a more diverse set of innovation and ideas will help to differentiate the level of culture adapted from global to local contexts. Therefore, we should embrace it positively.
References
Hamelink, C. J. (2015). Global Communication (1st ed.). J & J Publication.
Wilkins, K. G., Straubhaar, J. D., & Kumar, S. (2014). Global communication: New agendas in communication.
