When I think of all the ways we can communicate with each other now, I wonder how much real communication is really going on. We have email, Facebook, Facebook messenger, texting, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. just to name a few. Sometimes when I want to refer back to a message which someone sent me, I have to really think about what platform they used to contact me.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the convenience of being able to contact someone at a moment’s notice. Is something lost in the translation of these “soundbites”, though? I think that there is something definitely lost in translation. The tone of voice, the inflection, and the intention with which something is communicated is missing. All of these missing components can lead to misunderstandings.
I also notice that it is easier for people to bully or just be mean to each other when they don’t have to look at the person or hear their voice. Others become dehumanized. I say, “Tweet others as you would like to be Tweeted!”
What does it say about a relationship when you don’t take the time to call or to see someone in person? Where are your priorities? If you have time to play PokemonGo or Words with Friends and not take the time to call or see someone, who are your real friends? It comes down to more and more people only want to talk to others when it is convenient for them or when they are in the mood. There is also a certain comfort in not having to respond spontaneously to a comment.
There are a lot of positives to instant communication. It is really great to be able to give 
people updates if you are going to be late or you need to change the time or day of an appointment. It is wonderful to be able to have this convenient communication if you are stranded or you have a safety issue.
However, trying to have a complicated discussion about a sensitive issue online may not be the way to go. For example, it shows great insensitivity to break up with someone online unless you fear for your safety. Discussing sensitive subjects with friends is also better done in person. When we restrict ourselves to virtual communication, we cheat ourselves out of the nuances of communication and the spontaneity of relationships.
My tips for maximizing positive virtual communication are:
- Use non-inflammatory, confrontational vocabulary
- Be clear and concise without being brusque
- Do not use emoticons for business communications
- Be cautious with punctuation and capitalizations, which can be misinterpreted
For additional tips, check out this article from the Harvard Business Journal: http://ow.ly/pX1c3030wPk
Original content by Kathleen Matchunis, B.A., M.S., CPC. Call for a complimentary session with life and academic coach, Kathy Matchunis. Tel. 954- 294 -9708 Website: https://www.connectinginc.net and check us out on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectingInc/
