Technology Effect on Communication

808 Words2 Pages

The approach of communication has changed a lot due to technology. Technology has helped shy individuals pursue more friendships leading to more communication. “A considerable (48%) of young adults in Western societies report shyness; thus, large numbers of people experience fear and avoidance of face-to-face communication, which affects their lives in many ways” (Lynne & Keaten, 2007, p. 350). These new ways of communication due to technology has assisted these shy individuals in entering the world of communication a little more smoothly. One who is shy does not have to endure a face-to-face conversation as much as one would have before this modern technology. The assumption of removing face-to-face communication is that shy individuals will not experience the fear or awkwardness associated with interaction (Lynne & Keaten, 2007). This is why these individuals begin communicating via e-mail, instant messaging, texting, and many more types of technology that avoids instant responses and the anxiety of being in the presence of another person. Santra and Giri (2009) stated in their article “Analyzing Computer-Mediated Communication and Organizational Effectiveness” that those who wish to communicate with others can do so in their own time and place without the need for face-to-face contact. These new means of communication have helped individuals who prefer to avoid contact with others have a way to be comfortable while gaining various relationships.
Although technology helps shy individuals take a big step into the world of communication it can also construct an altered identity of someone. Ones screen name, type of social networking profile, an “about me” on a site, choice of e-mail provider, a profile picture, or icon, and many ...

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...h when the client walked away or turned away from the librarian. Technology can change the way a message is conveyed to an individual because one lacks these many nonverbal cues when communicating over a device.

Works Cited

Duck, D., & McMahan, D. T. (2012). The basics of communication: A relational perspective. Canada: SAGE publications, Inc.

Kelly, L., & Keaten, J. A. (2007). Development of the Affect for Communication Channels Scale. Journal Of Communication, 57(2), 349-365. doi:10.1111/j.1460- 2466.2007.00346.x

Santra, T., & Giri, V. N. (2009). Analyzing Computer-Mediated Communication and Organizational Effectiveness. Review Of Communication, 9(1), 100-109. doi:10.1080/15358590701772259

Walther, J. B. (2005). Virtual Dialogs: Relational Communication in Chat Reference Encounters. Conference Papers -- International Communication Association, 1- 38.

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