The Relationship between Communication and Technology - Coursework Example

The Relationship between Communication and Technology Name Institution Introduction According to Steinberg (2007), a technical view of communication terms it as a process that involves accurate and efficient transfer of information from one person to another. However, the transfer occurs along a channel, such as a telephone wire or the airways carrying sound or and pictures to radios and televisions. Moreover, the meaning-centered view acknowledges communication as a human phenomenon and the central aspect of human existence that entails their interpretation and meaning. Consequently, Mitcham (2009) defines technology as a diverse discipline that involves the application of scientific knowledge for useful purposes in nearly all fields of life. Technology is, therefore, a form of cultural activity devoted to the production or transformation of material objects or the development of procedural systems. Technology aims at enhancing the realm of practical human possibility (Mitcham, 2009). For instance, technological advancements and social media sites are continuously changing, evolving and developing leading to consequent transformations in interpersonal communication. Conversely, Eastman (2013) asserts that the greatest challenge experienced from technological enhancement is the diminishing nature of face to face interaction. The diminishing nature of verbal communication has a close association with evolved communication technologies such as texting, emailing, Facebook and Twitter. This paper will discuss the effects of technology on communication, highlight on the relevance of interpersonal communication and examining the role of group interaction and leadership in communication. However, the paper will use personal identity, culture, transactional analysis as theories to elaborate on the topics mentioned above. The Relationship between Communication and Technology Different studies conducted show an exhilarating association between communication and technology. According to Abdel-Wahab and El-Masry (2011), technological advancement poses both positive and adverse effects on communication. However, technological inventions and innovations resulted in improvement of the communication process. Technology has had a greater improvement in our lifestyle while making its effect felt on each life aspect particularly in the communication techniques. Each century records tremendous progress with the development of latest types of phones (Agar, 2013). The first technological development occurred in 1875 with the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell. According to Paluch (2011), communication has far reaching impacts on the technology adopted at a given place. Studies acknowledge communication as one of the most significant aspects that need consideration to achieve a successful adoption of technological services in the remote areas. Currently, customers view lack of effective communication with the service provider to foster the negative perception of the technical service. For instance, the service intangibility and lack of communication during the delivery process have adverse impacts on the perceived service quality (Paluch, 2011). Proper communication avails the relevant knowledge, information and skills required to use the new technology properly. All the same, Agar (2013) states that the communication industry later experienced subsequent inventions, such as cell phones and internet, which not only eased, but also positively transformed the process of communication. Some of the positive and negative impacts include: Positive Impacts Despite cultural erosion and impediment of personal identity, communication technology has assisted to revolutionize the process of communication. For instance, different companies utilize electronic communication in their daily operations as individuals use it to perform personal tasks such as pay bills, socializing and banking. In terms of social influence, internet communication such as dating and social networking websites and simplified the socializing process. Social networking sites assists people to keep in touch with their families, relatives and friends whereas the dating websites helps different people to find compatible partners for a relationship before marriage. In addition, technological advancement boosted the mass communication process. Various organizations such as schools and businesses use electronic communication such as e-newsletters and emails to communicate with a large number of people such as parents and customers respectively. Currently, long distance communication is faster and more effortless. Apart from reducing communication barriers, technological advancements such as the introduction of automated and specialized software in computers help in fostering effective communication among the disabled. Adverse Impacts According to Mansell (2007), technological advancement resulted in the erosion of culture with a number of ever reported vices associated with communication enhancement. Consequently, the western culture replaced the African way of life as individuals continuously lose their identity. The internet occupies most of everyone’s time mainly young adults. The internet negatively impacts on interpersonal communication. Currently, increased frequency of conversing via chatting and texting on websites deteriorates interpersonal communication skills as well as nonverbal communication. The gap between parents and their kid is increasingly widening due to poor communication as the youth prefer forming and conducting communication via online. Different studies reveal an association between online media and terrorism that continuously erode the societal culture with ever increased cases of insecurity. Schmid (2004) observed that there can be no terrorism without the modern technological advancements. Terrorists use online communication technologies such as satellite phones, online chat-rooms, blogs, websites, emails, videos, and encryption software to plan their activities. Consequently, studies report that different terrorists use online media and other special applications to hack systems. The online media platforms also increase the potential of propaganda with strengthened use of chat-rooms, blogs, ICQs, and emails. Cyber-terrorism is common among different system hackers as they take full advantage of the internet. Cohen (2002) asserts that the media successfully constitutes terrorists, cyber-terrorists and hackers as current ‘folk devils’ with online communication technology at the center of their activities. Importance of Interpersonal Communication Lustig and Koester (2013) term interpersonal communication as a particular type of communication that utilizes symbols to act as ideas while sharing meaning and developing a personal bond between people. Interpersonal communication, therefore, defines one's culture as well his/her identity. The technique operates on four basic principles: it is inescapable, irreversible, complicated and contextual. In addition, the technique has a number of skills such as listening, communication skills, verbal communication, assertiveness and non-verbal communication. According to Collins and O'Rourke (2009), interpersonal communication allows individuals to gather information concerning themselves, other people, and consequent past, present or predicted events, beliefs, and attitudes. Such practices enhance the process of learning among individuals. The technique also helps different individuals to assist each other. It allows people to provide emotional support, information or assistance that may help the recipient to deal with the problem effectively. Solomon and Theiss (2013) report that interpersonal communication provides the best moment of playing as it offers those involved to experience humor, celebration, comedy as well passing time and coordination of shared activities. The technique may serve as the best in fostering relationship and maintaining strong cultural ties. It offers those involved ample time to experience closeness or distance, equality or inequality and agreement or disagreement with the other person. Interpersonal communication is also a good influential tool used to foster personal identity and proper cultural maintenance. It allows an individual to persuade a colleague to provide assistance, change an attitude, change a relationship, give advice, share an activity, give permission or fulfill an obligation. The Role of Group Interaction and Leadership in Communication According to Polelle (2008), leadership refers to the process whereby a person influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal by using communication. Interaction is the process through which different people interrelate and coordinate to achieve the set goal. Group interaction and leadership can, therefore, refer to the collaboration between a number of individuals who are working together to achieve an independent goal under the control of one individual (Tubbs, 2012). There are, however, different types of groups including task-oriented groups that aim at accomplishing tasks assigned, relationship-oriented groups that target affection among members and the designated groups that arise from the hierarchy of appointment. However, some groups may be emergent arising during a suspicion of the occurrence of a hazard. For instance, West and Turner (2011) ascertain there are different styles used by group leaders to foster proper communication. Such styles range from democracy to laissez-faire to Autocratic leadership while contingency approach is essential under different situations. Every member should make viable decisions in order to make the group move forward. Therefore, groups have different roles to play in communication. Group members make decisions, effect change, assist in conflict negotiation, foster creativity and maintain ties to stakeholders. Technological advancement continues to pose different impacts on communication within a group. The introduction of Group Decision support System (GDSS) led to the improvements in terms of group brainstorming and evaluation of alternatives. According to West and Turner (2011), members of the group should relate to their statements to preceding remarks and use an unconventional arrangement of words. In addition, they should talk concisely and state one point at a time to ensure effective communication. The group members should observe ethical issues. Members should be supportive to everyone and be trustworthy while upholding honesty and behave with integrity. They should also avoid biases when evaluating information and manage any arising group conflicts ethically. Conclusion Communication has far reaching impacts on technology adopted in a given place. Contrary, technological advancements pose both positive and negative impact on communication. Technology has mostly played a significant role in the evolving communications industry as the process of passing and receiving information is now simple and affordable. The most alarming effects is the increasing rate of worldwide reported cases of cybercrime, terrorism, and hacking. However, interpersonal communication is the best tool for maintaining individual culture as well as identity. In addition, the communication reaches its cruising altitude when used to foster mutual agreement within a group. References Abdel-Wahab, A. G., & El-Masry, A. (2011). Mobile information communication technologies adoption in developing countries: Effects and implications. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference. Agar, J. (2013). Constant Touch: A Brief History of the Mobile Phone. Duxford: Icon Books. Cohen, S. (2002) Folk Devils & Moral Panics: The Creation of the Mods and Rockers, 3rd Edition. London: Routledge. Collins, S. D., & O'Rourke, J. S. (2009). Interpersonal Communication: Listening and Responding. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Eastman H. (July 7, 2013). Communication Changes with Technology, Social Media. Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. Retrieved from: http://universe.byu.edu/2013/07/07/1communication-changes-with-technology-social-media/ Lustig, M. W., & Koester, J. (2013). Intercultural Competence: Interpersonal communication across cultures. Upper Saddle River: Pearson. Makhmudov, N. (2004). Adoption Process and Impacts of Information and Communication Technologies in Small and Medium Size Enterprises in Central Asia: Evidence from Uzbekistan. Göttingen: Cuvillier. Mansell, R. (November 21, 2007). Communication and Technology: What’s New? Department of Media and Communications, Prepared for LSE-EDS Seminar. Retrieved from: http://www.lse.ac.uk/researchAndExpertise/units/innovationResearch/pdf/Mansellnov07/MansellNov07_paper.pdf Mitcham, C. (2009). Thinking through technology: The path between engineering and philosophy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Paluch, S. (2011). Remote service technology perception and its impact on customer-provider relationships: An empirical exploratory study in a B-to-B-setting. Wiesbaden: Gabler Verlag / Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH. Polelle, M. (2008). Leadership: Fifty Great Leaders and the Worlds They Made. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press. Schmid, A. (2004) ‘Frameworks for Conceptualizing Terrorism’, Terrorism and Political Violence, 16: 197-221. Solomon, D & Theiss, J. (2013). Interpersonal Communication: Putting Theory into Practice. London: Routledge. Steinberg, S. (2007). An Introduction to Communication Studies. Cape Town, South Africa: Juta. Tubbs, S. L. (2012). A Systems Approach to Small Group Interaction. New York: McGraw-Hill West, R. L., & Turner, L. (2011). Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing Times. Boston: Wadsworth. Read More