Information technology has brought a lot of changes to the global society. Specifically, communication between people has taken another direction as individuals utilize computing services to interact. It means that the interaction between people has also changed to be more intensive. In fact, the world’s society has been made smaller. It is now easier to interact easily with a friend no matter the distance between them at the time of interaction. Platforms such as the social media, applications such as WhatsApp have defined the way people live today. This essay is a mediated communication paper that analyzes the use of information technology for communication. It focuses on reflecting the diary and provides data for ascertaining the use of information technology in communication.
It is evident that computer usage has facilitated communication. Through the computer, people can effectively work at home or even communicate to keep track of vital events through using mobile phones. Focusing on mobile phone technology, today’s Smartphone is more than a communication gadget. A lot of things can be done using the Smartphone. For example, using the mobile phone, entertainment is attained easily. This was not the case in the olden days when mobile phones were only used for calling. Technologies of the mobile phone have allowed people to access not only entertainment but also every information they would require.
On the other hand, personal computers have created a platform for better communication and understanding for the world’s society. Like mobile phones, personal computers are used to access the Internet. It is through the internet where an individual can send a mail or utilize social media sites to facilitate interaction. Effective communication is when a message is sent, and immediate feedback is received. This is what exactly happens with social media. For example, through Facebook, one can express their opinion on a current event or situation. Friends will have the chance to respond, like or express their ideas and commentary. In essence, it has become easier to follow up with current trends when a person is active on social media courtesy of computerized communication.
Also, sending of messages is done effectively via both the mobile phone and the use of a computer. Further, technology has ensured that sending and receiving of messages are done instantly. As long as one is available and can access the Internet communication becomes effective. It is, however, fundamental to note that despite the availability of unique communication platforms, people have a different way to initiate communication. An individual’s way is determined by personal preferences as well as the convenience of using the preferred medium.
For instance, as per my mediated communication Diary, I woke up early on Thursday, at exact (8:46 am). This is earlier compared to the time other colleagues were awake. I woke up earlier that day as I was to call a friend living in Japan. I did that using the (Wechat) mobile phone application to video call my friend as I was waiting for the class session to begin. When I ‘am at home during the weekend, I call the friend suing the same application but now using a computer device. On the 20th of February, 2016, I woke up at 9:12 am and utilized my personal computer to call. Evidently, there is a difference in time zone between Japan, China, and the USA. However, using the communication platform (Wechat), it facilitated our interaction instantly.
It is also evident that time zone difference makes people utilize different medium of communication to facilitate interactions. For example, during the weekend, I normally use the personal computer to do all my communication. I utilize the mobile phone when at college. Here, it depends on the convenience of the communication device at a specified time. It means that the mobile phone is convenient when am at college. However, my preference is the computer when I have more time and relaxation during the weekend. Also, using social media is only applicable to friend-friend communication. When it comes to passing vital information in an official manner, the use of email is preferred. For example, I sent an email to my college tutor at 7:38 pm.
As per my diary, it is noticeable that my communication schedule is different compared to the group members communication timeline. For instance, Ayka, on 17th February 2016 sent the first message at 11:05 am. This was a message to his friend. However, during the weekend, Ayka sent the first message at 14:02. Evidently, there should be a difference of the timeline in which Ayka and I sleep and wake up during the weekdays as well as during weekends. Further, it implies that both I and Ayka utilize different media of communication at different times either in a weekday or weekend.
Based on my diary and the group’s diary, it can be ascertained that the use of mobile phone in communication is higher compared to the computer. Again, it implies that the mobile phone is appropriate suited for communication throughout the day. This is because it is a portable device compared to the computer. Also, a technological enhanced mobile phone performs almost similar communication functions as the personalized computer. In the end of this comparison, one conclusion is apparent; technology has advanced the way the society interacts. It has created different platform available for communication hence making work easier for the current generation to communicate with each other effectively.
A survey by Hampton et al., 2009 suggests that technology and specifically social media has impacted the society in two different fronts. First, social media has brought or facilitated communication networks. Unlike the ancient days, people are now more united as they get informed through a higher level of interaction. Indeed, this is a positive aspect of technology impact to communication. Secondly, the increased interaction activities also increase the understanding between individuals. It means that technology has created better and stronger links that initiate communication. However, there is the weak part or disadvantage that technology has brought which is the issue of privacy and the creation of mistrust among members of the society. People are more informed at a personal level between each other hence, it becomes difficult to put trust on an individual that you almost understand all his/her weaknesses.
Another disadvantage is that what is portrayed from the communication on the technological platform may not reflect or reveal the truth of a person’s intentions. It means that face-to-face communication will remain to be the ideal way. In an experimentation administered through the use of questionnaires in a computerized exercise, a different category of people participated (Hampton, Sessions & Rainie, 2009). The computer noted the participants in terms of faces, that is, a neutral face, and a stern face. However, participants claimed that they did not like specifically the stern face. Still, participants responded to the questions although taking more time to do so and answering in a thorough manner. It was reported that such an experience was not comfortable even though it led to the anticipated findings (Sproull et al., 1996). The participants also took part is more of a positive attitude when the computer had a face. It means that the subjects were happy in typing their answers in such a case. Therefore, no matter the difference in media present, the was communication taking place as people conversed with their partners. However, it should be noted that face-to-face communication brings the sociability unlike the situation when the people are far away and uses other media to communicate.
Also, concerning the difference in face-to-face and technology facilitated communication, Rainie & Zickuhr (2015), suggest that people respond more appropriate when there is some level of visible connection. It may either be in the form of face-to-face or communication via a video call. This is because, evidently, there is a high chance that when using an audio call, the response by the other part may appear to be inappropriately rude, or the person may opt not to disclose their full information. However, during face-to-face of video calling, the parties involved have the touch of each other hence may end up express their ideas in full strength. Therefore, technology advancement has appropriately addressed this communication gap. Instead of audio calling, text messaging and the use of emails, most available communication gadgets have the option of video calling. Even the internet has a full range of video calling applications where an individual can utilize effectively. At the user’s convenience, they may use what is appropriate and convenient.
In conclusion, it is evident that technology has greatly influenced the way people communicate. It has facilitated communication to more effective, clear and convenient manner. As discussed from the diaries, it is vital to note that people’s behavior have changed meaning that people’s ways of lives have responded appropriately to the level of technological advancement. In fact, it is fundamental also to note that technological impact to communication has built a common culture to the world’s society. There is a better understanding regardless of the geographical place that people live. This has facilitated better decisions hence uplifting humanity to a better future.
Reference
Hampton, K., Sessions, L., Her, E. J., & Rainie, L. (2009). Social isolation and new technology: How the Internet and mobile phones impact Americans’ social networks. Pew Internet and American Life Project
Sproull, L., Subramani, M., Kiesler, S., Walker, J. H., & Waters, K. (1996). When the interface is a face. Human-Computer Interaction, 11(2), 97-124.
Rainie, L., & Zickuhr, K. (2015). Americans’ Views on Mobile Etiquette. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science, & Technology Washington, DC: Pew Research Center. Retrieved December, 9, 2015.
