Computer Mediated Communication

Computer mediated communication sounds like a long confusing phrase, but in reality, it is closer to use than we realize. Such a huge percentage of communication today is done via computers whether it is done in live time, or delayed. Cell phones, tablets, computers, all allow us to communicate using various images, videos, and text. On a daily basis, I use social media via my cell phone for personal and professional communication, I use an intranet system at work that allows all of us to be on the same network but all over the country, and I use my computer to participate in school virtually with classmates all over the country, these are just a few of the many ways computer mediated communication happens in our day to day lives.

Having communication at our finger tips is both a blessing and a curse, while it allows for connection to those not near us, or in times like Covid-19 the world has heavily relied on connection through computers. I think there is also a down side, this type of communication often creates a community where people only share the things they want people to see so it creates an image that is not always realistic, and people strive for that type of perfection. It can be really lonely as well.

Another downfall to this type of communication is privacy concerns. It is easy for someone to obtain private information not meant for them. Hackers have been known to break into databases and steal information from users. In September, 2019 the phone numbers of 419 million Facebook Users were leaked. This opened users up to millions of spam calls, but more serious than that put them at risk for identity theft. Using strong passwords, being cautious signing up for things on websites you don't trust,  and having different passwords for all of your sites can reduce the risk.

In the future computer mediated communication will only continue to become more useful. It allows for long distance communication within companies as well as externally, it allows for streamlined purchasing, and sales, and also allows for automated communications across various time zones, and parts of the world.

Computer mediated communication has a lot of benefits to the world, but it also has downfalls. The overtaking of virtual communication has had a negative effect on face to face communication. Many people don't like to answer phones, or have to physically go places and have a conversation. Many times when people are engaged in a conversation they are on their phones looking at other things. It has really had a negative impact on face to face communication. A prime example of this is the newer generations, it has really impacted them, many do not even know how to have a face to face conversation. As we progress in technology and computer mediated communications it will be important to find a balance.

References

Dijk, J. v. (2012). The Network Society. (3rd ed.) SAGE Publications.

Grothaus, Michael. “The Phone Numbers of 419 Million Facebook Accounts Have Been Leaked.” Fast Company, Fast Company, 5 Sept. 2019, www.fastcompany.com/90399734/the-phone-numbers-of-419-million-facebook-accounts-have-been-leaked.

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