Communication Activities Using Technology

People can use technology to perform a variety of communication and social activities.

Not so long ago, communicating with others involved sending a letter in the mail, talking on the telephone or speaking in person. Today, some people use technology for virtually all communication activities. Many technologies, from gadgets to gaming consoles to global positioning systems, provide new and innovative ways for people to communicate. People and companies all over the world use technology to support their communications needs.

Correspond

Of all the technologically enabled communication protocols, email is perhaps the most prevalent. Today, email plays a critical role in promoting communications at the global level. It is a popular means of communication because it eliminates the need to wait for letters to arrive by post; messages arrive nearly seconds after sending, irrespective of the geographical location or time zone. Best of all, no postage is necessary when sending letters via email.

Chat

Once upon a time, if you wanted to chat with someone, you would call them on the phone or see them in person. While these are still ways to chat with someone today, technology allows us to chat with people using our computers and mobile devices. Instant messaging (IM) allows us to digitally chat with other people over an Internet connection. People talk to each other by typing messages into a small window shown on the computer or device screen.

Text

Typing out messages on a handheld device or mobile phone--or "texting"--has quickly become a popular communication activity. There are many reasons why people use texting to communicate. Some text to avoid interrupting others. Other people text to avoid awkward conversations. Some people even text out of boredom or loneliness. Many people text while conversing with others in person; Wired Magazine compares this impolite activity to public smoking and advises people to refrain from texting if other people around them find it annoying or intrusive.

Socialize

Business professionals, college students and most people with a computer and connection to the Internet use social networking tools, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, to communicate with others. Many people like social networking because it gives them a means to establish an online identity, while also allowing them to maintain an interactive address book and calendar of events. People also like online social networking because it gives them an electronic way to stay in touch with friends and family. Businesses use these tools to reach prospective and existing customers; they may also use them to foster communication and collaboration among employees.

Play

Multi-player online games are another popular activity that combines social interaction, communication and technology. Users connect their gaming consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft XBox or Sony PlayStation, to the Internet and can communicate with other game players over the course of a game. People who sync their Bluetooth devices with the Internet connection and gaming console can even exchange live conversation with other users while playing. Players without a Bluetooth device can communicate with others by using the text-based protocols of the game.

References

• CBS Broadcasting Inc.: Good Question - Why Do Some Text Rather Than Talk?
• Life123: Why Do People Use Online Social Networking?
• Wired Magazine: Texting in the Company of Others is OK