Change in Communication Methods, Research Paper Example

I have known the recipient’s address since high school, since we went to school together and used to visit each other’s homes. When the recipient, a close friend of mine, received her letter in the mail three days after I sent it, she immediately contacted me via text. She was somewhat surprised by the letter because she is very accustomed to receiving multiple text messages from me on any given day, and a written letter was unexpected and took her by surprise. We typically text back and forth an average of five times per day and many more times on specific days where there is a lot going on; therefore, this was a unique shift from our normal routine.

She noted that she opened the letter out of curiosity before she even reached the front door of the house. She read the letter in its entirety and commented to me that she enjoyed it. However, she was perplexed regarding why I sent it to her in the first place. I responded that this was part of an assignment and was a test of sorts in order to determine how she might respond to a hand-written document, given the nature of our relationship and how it is largely dependent on technology. It was not always like this, but we have both become increasingly dependent on our phones for just about everything in our daily lives. I recognized this fact and selected her to be part of the experiment for this reason. I received the reaction I wanted from my friend in this case because she was entirely surprised by the letter and was fascinated that she was chosen for the assignment. It was important to me to choose someone who would actually read and respond to the letter to achieve maximum effect with the assignment.

Many historical accounts have been shared in letter form and provide further evidence of the powerful nature of a letter as a means of sharing information that has taken place and that shapes history in different ways. For example, a letter from Annie Davis to Abraham Lincoln regarding her freedom from slavery has significant meaning because it represents Lincoln’s actions to free slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, 2012). Also, the letters exchanged between John and Abagail Adams in the 1770s have historical significance because they represent a prolific period in American history when Congress was formed and its responsibilities were identified (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, 2012).

Each of these examples provides an interesting interpretation of history that might not have otherwise been discovered if these letters had not been written. Therefore, these letters provide windows to history that have opened new doors in learning about many important events that have shaped modern society in many different ways. These letters support an exploration of events that enable historians and learners to obtain new insights regarding these events and how they have impacted many experiences. Furthermore, these letters lend to the somewhat mysterious and highly interpretive nature of history as told through the eyes of specific individuals across different settings.

This assignment is interesting because it explores how communication has changed dramatically with the emergence of technology, particularly in the late 20^th and early 21s Centuries. These factors are relevant because they demonstrate how communication is much less personal in the modern era, as individuals increasingly rely on the use of technology via texting and social media rather than in-person or hand-written communication. This is a significant shift in culture that continues to impact how human beings share information with each other. In many cases, texting is the preferred method that enables individuals across all age groups to use their smart phones to share brief messages with other people without requiring a telephone or in-person conversation. This depersonalizes communication on many different levels and contributes to the overall scope of personalization that occurs in modern society.

The changes in communication patterns that have occurred over the past few decades have been instrumental in shifting the culture of communication throughout the world. Communication via email is standard across many organizations and is the first step in communicating in workplace environments. Communication in this manner often provides a paper trail in addressing important matters for which verbal communication is not sufficient. This is an essential component of professional business environments where record-keeping is critical and communication must be timely. Although communication is essential in this way, there is something to be said for personalized communication in an old-fashioned manner. This method remains valuable in order to put a name with a face, and it also serves to build trust and responsibility for these relationships more effectively.

Finally, communication that depends on technology continues to be integral to how people socialize and share information in almost every area throughout the world. The nature of communication warrants further discussion because it has a significant impact on the development of relationships and how they are shaped by text messaging, emails, social media, and other common forms of communication that are less personalized in nature. From this perspective, communication requires further consideration and evaluation through new techniques and strategies in order to fulfill specific outcomes and the sharing of knowledge and information through technology-based means. This is a problem and an opportunity to explore new means of communication using technology that support relationship development and trust on many different levels.

References

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum (2012). Historical letters reveal voices from the past. Retrieved from http://www.jfklibrary.org/~/media/assets/Education%20and%20Public%20Programs/Education%20newsletter/New%20Frontiers%20pdfs/New%20Frontiers_Issue%2016%20Spring%202012.pdf