PROFOUND communication paves the path for human evolution and growth. It wields the power to mediate conflicts, cultivate harmony and nurture strong bonds among those who possess the skill of effective expression. Furthermore, it bolsters self-image and diminishes the vexation stemming from the inability to convey one’s message articulately. Effective communication serves as the cornerstone of delivering messages and is vital for the formation of cordial relations among human beings. It is through the art of proficient communication that messages are best comprehended, fostering the possibility of peaceful human coexistence. This principle is not a modern revelation; even in the annals of human history, primitive people developed societies through rudimentary communication. Utilizing hand signals, inscriptions on cave walls and primitive material like wood and stones, they bridged linguistic gaps to interact with other tribes. This process gave birth to the formation of societies and communities.
The evolution of communication methods has been a hallmark of human history. In earlier times, it solely encompassed face-to-face interaction, but the advent of technology has revolutionized the way humans interact and communicate with one another. In the modern era, social media has emerged as a potent tool, providing a platform for individuals to engage with diverse cultures, nationalities and people in this age of globalization. Modern communication means offering a cost-effective and time-efficient way to connect with others. They transcend geographical barriers swiftly, benefiting humanity across various sectors such as education, healthcare and employment. These technological modes have ushered in opportunities for self and collective improvement.
While social media communication has indeed catalyzed a transformative shift in contemporary communication patterns, it does come with certain limitations. It has transformed interpersonal interaction into virtual affairs, giving rise to online communities that at times, lack the authenticity of face-to-face gatherings. A consequence of this transformation is the younger generation’s inclination towards prolonged online connectivity which risks devaluing physical interactions and undermines the need for real-life communication in personal relationships.
Additionally, social media tends to divert individuals from engaging in face-to-face cultural and social interactions. The age of internet globalization has fostered virtual cross-cultural connections, potentially reducing the desire for physical meetups with individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds. Consequently, while online communication enables its users to have continuous contact throughout the day, it has also become a source of miscommunication and misunderstanding within and between individuals, groups and communities as it lags in the effective delivery of the message that real-life communication ensures.
Effective communication necessitates one-on-one interaction that incorporates intensity of voice, pitch of tone, body language, facial expression and immediate feedback, all of which are challenging to replicate artificially. Body language, in particular, plays a pivotal role, contributing to 55% of effective message delivery. Real-life communication unveils the full spectrum of non-verbal cues, including hand gestures, facial expressions and shifts in eye movement, allowing one’s feelings, be they of joy or anxiety, to become manifest. In contrast, social media communication often lacks these vital non-verbal elements, making it difficult for interacting individuals to accurately discern nuances. Even when utilizing modern applications like Zoom, the potential for creating artificial impressions remains, as users can manipulate the presentation of their surroundings through digital tools.
The tone of voice in verbal communication assumes a cardinal role. Warm and affectionate tones foster friendly dialogue, while harsh tones can turn discussions into conflict-ridden debates. Social media communication, however, often lacks the precision needed to gauge the tone of the communicator. This is especially pronounced on platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where the tone of voice is absent, leading to potential misinterpretation. Real-life communication revolves around the concept of spending time together, fostering unwavering focus within discussions. Face-to-face conversations create an environment demanding complete attention, forming the basis of healthy dialogue and facilitating conflict resolution. Social media interactions, in contrast, introduce multiple distractions during live arguments, eroding the essence of genuine real-life communication.
Live, face-to-face interaction generates immediate feedback, offering clear insight into the thoughts and emotions of those involved, even when unexpressed. This authentic feedback is valuable during group and community discussions. However, social media communication introduces feedback rife with artifice, undermining the authenticity inherent in real-life communication. Social media communication is bereft of these fundamental elements, rendering it a different form of conversation that lacks the depth of genuine real-life interactions. The pivot from real-life communication, once an indispensable aspect of human connection, to online modes of interaction, has altered the traditional landscape of communication. This transition is not without consequences; social media has, in effect, diluted real-life interactions by depriving them of the essential elements required for effective message delivery. The very platforms that have driven this transformation have also dampened the inclination of individuals to engage in face-to-face interactions.
While modern means of communication are indispensable for navigating the complexities of the contemporary world, a balanced approach is essential. Utilizing social media as a means of communication in contexts that do not necessitate the richness of in-person interaction is appropriate. However, it should not replace real-life communication in contexts requiring precision, such as conflict resolution and interfaith and intercultural dialogues. Striking a balance between social media and real-life communication is pivotal for successful navigation in the modern world. Dependence solely on social media communication poses a risk of eroding the essence of real-life communication, a phenomenon that is increasingly manifest in the world today.
In this era of globalization and technological advancement, the significance of social media platforms for communication cannot be overstated. It has become essential to introduce communication as a compulsory subject in schools, colleges and universities to empower the younger generation with the ability to make informed choices about when to engage in online communication and when to prioritize face-to-face interactions to enhance the effectiveness of their communication. Undoubtedly, social media has had a profound impact on traditional, real-life communication. It is imperative to recognize that there is no substitute for in-person communication if we aim to lead harmonious and peaceful lives, both individually and as a society.
—The writer is CSS Officer, based in Sargodha.
Email: waqarhassancsp@gmail.com
