How Social Media Changed the Way People Communicate - Essay Example

?How Social Media Changed the Way people communicate How Social Media Changed the Way people Communicate Introduction The improvement of communication has taken place for a long time. This has taken place as the man over time has worked in improving the communication process. In the ancient times, communication was done by carving on stone pillars (History World, n.d.). However, this was a slow form of communication as it involved a lot of work for the recipient to have access to the message. Moreover, the use of carving was improved by use of papyrus (History World, n.d.). Papyrus helped in improving communication during the time as it could be moved from one place to another. Additionally, smoke signals were relied on during the prehistoric age. The smoke signals were popular among the American Indians (History World, n.d.). On the other hand, the sending of written message is thought to have begun on 6th century BC. Most of the government in this era relied on written content for communication. The Persians were the first to rely on written form of communication (History World, n.d.). On the later period, people focused on ways of improving the speed of the messenger. Such form of advance focused on developing excellent roads, fast riders and well-provisioned staging posts that were more accessible to freshmen and horses (History World, n.d). The effectiveness of communication was further improved by use of domesticated pigeons in the 11th century (History World, n.d.). Moreover, communication was quickly revived with the development of the printing press (History World, n.d.). The first publication were made in Germany in 15th century and then spread to the rest of the world. After this period, different printing press emerged in Switzerland, Venus, Paris, London, and Sweden (History World, n.d.). Consequently, the printing of books and pamphlets begun in these areas most of which were used in transmitting propaganda. Moreover, the printing press was followed by the advent of newspapers in the 17th century (History World, n.d.). The various disharmonies that were taking place in Europe made many people longing for information about the latest events (History World, n.d.). Consequently, the printers and publishers put more effort in ensuring people had the necessary information on time. The most published papers at the time were from Germany. Communication was rapidly improved in the 19th century. The invention in this era led to the development of letter, Penny post, and affordable post (Lambert, 2013). Moreover, there was the invention of telegraph, and this made it possible to send a message over a long distance in an efficient way. Furthermore, there as development of fax machine and telephone in 184 and 1876 (Lambert, 2013). Indeed, communication improved significantly in the 20th century. At this period, radios and televisions were developed and covered information during war (Lambert, 2013). Consequently, information was readily available. Later years saw the rise of telephone. In fact, this allowed making of calls and passing of commercial text through the mobile phone. In the 21st century, communication has been totally revolutionized. The transformation has taken place through the emergence of internet. Consequently, various forms of social sites have emerged such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and email (Tuft University, 2013, p.1). Therefore, communication has been made easy and efficient. A reflection on different types of social media social media helps in highlighting ways in which communication has been changed; this occurs in terms of society interaction, awareness on various issues taking place in the world, control over people lives, increased transparency, increased avenues of communication, and change of ways of society communicate. Social Media Social media has provided a platform for interaction of people. “The social sites help people make, share, and/ or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks” (Tuft University, 2013, p.1). The main form of social media includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare, and Youtube (Tuft University, 2013, p.1). Social media play a role in conversations, connection, and connection between people. Moreover, one can respond quickly when interacting with people. The social media have become a popular form of communication especially among the young people. Moreover, business people in improving their accessibility to the customers have relied on the sites significantly (Macdonald, 2013). Social Media Changes to Communication Social media has changed interaction in different spheres of life. The first change of interaction has occurred between family members. The improved interaction has occurred as distant family members are now able to keep in touch. In fact, this interaction has been made effective by the use of video calls, and social networking or email (Mieczakowski, Goldhaber and Clarkson, n.d.). The improvement in these technologies has made it possible for families to contact their members who might be living in foreign territories. Moreover, the use of social sites has made it possible for coworkers to interact effectively (Mieczakowski et al., n.d.). On the other hand, the use of technology affects family interaction in a negative way. The effect is seen as family members make preferences to interact through the sites rather than having a physical contact. Mieczakowski, Goldhaber, and Clarkson (n.d.), notes that the interruption to interaction occurred as children had social media devices in their rooms. However, the research also showed that the use of technology helped in bringing the family together (Mieczakowski et al., n.d.). The interaction occurs as families use the sites for activities such as gaming. Social media has improved world knowledge on various issues. Most of the awareness has been on tragedies, events, and incidences in different parts of the world. A classical example is the viral nature of social sites on 2008 Mumbai attacks (Sheedy, 2011). After the attack, there was first hand information that was distributed through various social sites. There was a presentation of information on the causalities and the activities of both the police and the terrorists (Sheedy, 2011). However, the use of social media in delivering information has been put into question. Concerns have been raised on the ethics of use of these sites due to the portrayal of live images. On the other hand, social media can lead to the creation of confusion because of dissemination of information that is sometimes unconfirmed (Sheedy, 2011). Such an event shows that social sites can be of benefit to passing of information. On the contrary, such site leads to the spread of rumors and dissemination of erroneous information. Moreover, social media have played a significant role in broadcasting protests and violence. The sites have acted as an alternative to passing of information especially in an authoritarian regime. A classical example is on the 2009 Iranian Revolution after the disputed polls (Center for Global Communication Studies (CGCS), 2013). At this time, the government condemned various forms of communication to prevent the protestors. However, the social media were relied on to show the protest and violence to the rest of the world. In fact, any Iranian with a mobile phone could take a picture of the protest and action of law enforcement agencies and upload the clips on YouTube and blogging sites (CGCS, 2013). The success shows how social media has played a role in activism, in different parts of the world. Moreover, social media have improved visibility and accountability. Additionally, social media have dominated people lives. First, the transformation has taken place through sharing of stories and updates posted by friends on the social sites. The reason behind the dominance is that most people currently prefer to receive news from the social sites (Information Gateway, 2013). Moreover, there has been increased association with friends in different parts of the world. Most of the sites forms groups based on friendship. Therefore, people have been able to interact almost every minute. Additionally, the sites have provided a basis for people looking for jobs (Information Gateway, 2013). In the site, there are certain groups formed to ensure people are informed on available opportunities in different parts of the world. On the other hand, various companies have used social sites to influence buying of commodities in different parts of the world (Information Gateway, 2013). Such an influence has been possible through then viral marketing that is taking place through then social sites. Moreover, it has become more efficient to commence a business as attention focused group on the sites (Information Gateway, 2013). Consequently, this has helped to establish potential staff and clients. Moreover, the sites have led to transparency in communication. The evidence of transformation is seen on the way people now communicate with others. First, people have become more open and willing to communicate with each other (Information Gateway, 2013). In fact, the rate at which information is shared in the sites is at an unprecedented level as compared in an earlier time. In the earlier time, communication was only limited to few people. Second, most of the people are on social sites as they look for people they share similar ideas. In the sites, such people make various forms of groups and only like-minded people are allowed to be part of the groups. Moreover, most people that share information in social sites need to get recognition (Information Gateway, 2013). Therefore, most of the people share information on their locality, likes, looks, and even their attributes. In the end, such an individual manages to share thoughts and expressions with members of the social sites. Moreover, the sites have opened more avenues for communication. The avenues are different as compared to the past when society relied on only one form of communication. In the current state, various features of communications have emerged. Such features include profile, feeds, and groups (Information Gateway, 2013). Moreover, information has become rapid and accessible from everywhere. The devices that have made this possible include tablets and smart phones. Moreover, it has made it possible for organizing events in the society. In fact, it has been observed, “Online group meetings are efficient in organizing and attending” (Information Gateway, 2013, p. 1). In fact, the sites have made it possible for maintaining both old and new friends through the online search engines. On the contrary, the sites have affected social life many people. The sites have led to weaker social ties as they have reduced the previous form of face-to-face communication (Information Gateway, 2013). The evidence is because most people rely on messaging and chatting as a way of getting in touch with one another. Lastly, social media have changed the culture of communication. The change has seen from using speaking as a form of communication to adoption of photos, videos, and clicks as a way of passing information (King, 2013). Moreover, there has been a change in language of communication. Most of the sites allow use of shortened and concise words as a way of saving time and duration of sending message (King, 2013). Consequently, the speed of communication has improved significantly. Moreover, the avenues have forced older generation to adopt new technology. The older generation has been forced to adopt the ways of communication as it has proved the only acceptable way in the current state (Hurk, 2013). Consequently, the form of communication has been enhanced. Conclusion The way society communicates have transformed for a long time. In the initial stages, the form of communication adopted by society was ineffective. As a result, only few people had access to most of the information. However, with time, the society has evolved and at the same time, communication has evolved. The transformation culminated in the 21st century as a new form of communication such as social media was adopted. Consequently, social media have changed the ways society communicates. The transformation has taken place in way people interact, sharing of pressing issues, increased transparency, increased avenues of communication, and change of ways of communication. Lastly, if the social media are properly managed it will lead to more enhanced communication, and this will significantly benefit society. However, it is also necessary to note that the past has played a role to the realization of the current state of communication. References Center for Global Communication Studies (CGCS). (2013). A Different Perspective on Social Media and Revolution in Iran. Retrieved from http://cgcsblog.asc.upenn.edu/2013/04/02/a-different-perspective-on-social-media-and-revolution-in-iran/. History World. (n.d.). History of Communication. Retrieved from http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=aa93. Hurk, A. (2013). Social Media Crisis Communications. New York: Que Publishing. Information Gateway. (2013). How Social Media Has Changed the Way We Communicate. Retrieved from http://www.informationgateway.org/social-media-changed-communicate/. King, J. (2013). Social Media: The Evolution of Communication. Retrieved from http://www.business2community.com/social-media/social-media-evolution-communication-0678248. Lambert, T. (2013). The History of Communication through the Ages. Retrieved from http://www.localhistories.org/communications.html. Macdonald, R. (2013). The new age of marketing: How social media has changed the marketing landscape. Berlin: GRIN Verlag. Mieczakowski, A., Goldhaber, T and Clarkson, J. (n.d.). Culture, Communication and Change. Retrieved from http://www-edc.eng.cam.ac.uk/~akm51/PD_Final_Reports/short_report_final_23.06.11.pdf. Sheedy, S. (2011). Social?Media?for?Social?Change. Retrieved from http://www.american.edu/soc/communication/upload/Caroline-Sheedy.pdf. Tufts University. (2013). Social Media Overview. Retrieved from http://webcomm.tufts.edu/social-media-overview13/. Read More