In today’s world, communication has relay been revolutionized where communication technology has replaced personal contact a big deal. Communication technology refers to the use of modern day technology such as emails, cell phones and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to communicate. These means make life easier and more enjoyable than before because people who are in different geographical locations can be in contact. Communication technology or information communication technology (ICT) has facilitated socializing and business, as well. Facilities such as video conferencing and emailing have enabled companies and individual businesspersons to conduct business with other people despite the distance barrier. Messaging, chatting, and texting have also enabled people to communicate easily with their family and friends who reside in different locations. Communication technology, however, has its advantages and disadvantages in various ways.
Speed is one of the advantages of communication technology because messages are sent fast and instantaneous responses received. Consequently, communication has become efficient and reliable be it in business or socially. Internet has also enabled many people to have face-to-face communication across different locations through facilities such as video conferencing, Skype, and social networks. These facilities also make communication cheaper than using other means such phone calls across distances. Globalization is also another benefit of communication technology. ICT has united people and countries, and trade and business made easier thus transforming the world’s economy into an interdependent system. People can share information and ideas easily and quickly by breaking down language and geographical barriers.
ICT has also automated business and communication ventures because it is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. People can purchase commodities from any location in the world, and have it delivered within a short time without having to make physical travels. Cultural barriers have also been eliminated because people with different cultural backgrounds can easily communicate and trade. This also helps reduce prejudice and increase awareness of various business aspects across the globe. In addition, communication technology has facilitated education because people can learn over the internet. Students can enroll to an international school or university over the internet, and access learning materials through the e-learning platform. Employment opportunities have also been created because all one needs is internet connectivity to communicate with their employer across the globe.
Despite the hefty benefits that ICT provides, it has its downside. One major disadvantage is the loss of personal contact while communicating. People cannot read body language, facial expressions, and vocal notation. Personal contact is essential in reinforcing the message, and learning about the other person through face-to-face communication. Therefore, there is room for miscommunication since one can misunderstand the message being conveyed, or its severity. Another downside is the security risk of one’s information being hacked by fraudsters, which can contribute to loss of property and money, and tainted reputation. In addition, social networks can cause addiction, and low quality level of education because of the communication terms and codes common in these media.
It is inarguable that communication has improved communication over the years due to advances in ICT. The changes have been beneficial in facilitating communication, business, and socializing among people in different parts of the world. However, they have also come with their own share of disadvantages especially in eroding personal contact while communicating. Personal contact is an essential part of communication, and this aspect has been lost by the introduction of technological means of communication. However, this means of communication continues to become popular globally because of its benefits, which greatly outweigh the demerits.
Works Cited
- Walton, Andy. Advantages & Disadvantages of Information & Communication Technology. The Houston Chronicle. 2013. Web. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-information-communication-technology-66948.html