Computers or Face-To-Face Communication, Essay Example

Introduction

“You have new mail!” – this simple phrase makes millions of people rush to their computers, forgetting about their primary obligations. Technological advancement has already become the distinctive feature of the postmodern reality. Many of us communicate more by e-mail or texting than in person. Step by step, computers are pushing face-to-face communication to the background of the postmodern technological revolution. Unfortunately, computer communication is a serious barrier to developing effective interpersonal communication skills. Rarely or never does computer communication help to establish and maintain effective relationships. More often than not, computer communication is just a surrogate of personal conversations. Face-to-face communication must serve the principal ingredient of all communication strategies, with computers used as a reliable supplement when communication in person is impossible or inefficient.

That computers are a vital source of numerous communication advantages cannot be denied. Accessibility and sophistication of the computer networks add value to personal communication. The Internet and email, chat rooms and blogs, instant messengers and forums make long-distance communication easy, efficient, and productive. In emergency situations, computer-mediated communication is often the only way for individuals and organizations to meet their communication goals. The social benefits of computer-mediated communication are difficult to underestimate: for millions of shy people, computers are a real communication savior! They exemplify a flexible form of exchanging text and graphic content between Internet and social network users. However, computers can hardly replace the intimacy of face-to-face communication. They are just a surrogate of personal conversations. Personal communication is the best and most efficient ingredient of successful interpersonal relationships.

Face-to-face communication must serve the principal element of all communication strategies. Even the most sophisticated computer networks cannot replace the clarity and immediacy of communicating in person. Face-to-face communication encompasses a multitude of verbal and nonverbal elements, facial expressions and gestures, and creates conditions needed to convey messages in an easy-to-understand way. Computer-mediated communication does not leave any room for emotions and intimacy; nor can computers help to build and maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships. Certainly, communication in person is not always possible – the power of time and distance can break the stability of even the strongest interpersonal ties. Nevertheless, computers cannot fully replace face-to-face communication. They are just a measure of last resort in our striving to achieve the best communication results.

Conclusion

Computers are pushing face-to-face communication to the background of the postmodern technological evolution. Computer-mediated communication is the source of numerous social benefits. The speed, efficiency, and convenience of computer communication are difficult to underestimate. Yet, computers lack intimacy and emotions. Face-to-face communication must serve the fundamental ingredient of all communication strategies. Personal communication encompasses a variety of elements, which help to convey messages and thoughts in an easy-to-understand way. Certainly, communication in person is not always possible, but computers are just a measure of last resort in our striving to achieve the best communication results.