
We’re already fascinated by how the Internet has become the single most important tool for information gathering, networking, social interaction, and virtually every aspect of our personal activities.
Over the last 7 years, our ability to connect with virtually anyone from across the globe has been simplified thanks to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and several other social networking mediums.
While the progression of these tools are creating opportunities, it is important to understand how these tools have shaped, improved or shifted our interpersonal relationships, and more importantly our ability to communicate effectively:
A couple of questions I think need to be taken into consideration:
1) Are we communicating more because of the increased capacity to contact anyone from a distance? If so, how are we communicating with them?
2) Are we getting involved in networking and community activities?
3) What sense of ‘belonging’ to communities do networked people have?
4) Are we sending the right messages to the right people?
5) How sure are we that the receiver of your intended message(s) understands your message?
Our increased ease and ability to send and receive messages in real time can become a double-edged sword.
We are inundated with information, messages, calls to action, ads, products…and the list goes on. It’s easy to blast out a broadcast message to everyone on your contact list to get your message across; however, the responses are less likely to be favourable from someone who has no interest whatsoever. Wouldn’t it be better to personally contact the people you know would have a vested interest or who would benefit from your message? I mean are we becoming that lazy?
Another important element of any form of communication is ensuring that your intended messages are clear and understood by the intended receiver.
Ask yourself this: are we following up with them, or are we merely assuming that because they received your e-mail, text, bbm or phone call, your intended message was delivered? Failure to clarify this could be detrimental.
Are We Connecting?
The Internet has provided us with the ability to expand our reach and connect with anyone at anytime. As a result, we are witnessing a movement towards ‘networked individualism’.
“The social network revolution has provided the opportunities — and stresses — for people to reach beyond the world of tight groups…People function more as networked individuals and less as group members.” - Prof. Barry Wellman, S.D. Clark professor of sociology at the University of Toronto
We’re moving towards a networked society where people are adapting to new forms of interacting (online chatting, IM, online communities) mainly from indoors rather than the visible outdoors…another facilitator towards the privitisation of community.
Are we effectively leveraging our communication tools and more importantly, are we really functioning better as networked individuals?
Tags: Cafe Olé, Cheyenne Baptiste, Communication, Connecting, Social media