In the era of the Internet, communication is becoming easier and easier day by day. The Internet has made the world smaller. For effective communication, the Internet is the key tool. The Internet helps to make communication easier and more convenient. Communication can be done effectively and efficiently by using several Internet-based tools. Communication plays a vital role in our lives and the Internet helps to make it way easier and more convenient. Internet communication is defined as “a process in which participants create and share information to reach a mutual understanding” (Lindahl et al., 1993, p. 58) through the Internet as its medium.
Evolution of Communication
From smoke sign to transmit, landlines, versatile, and after that Internet-the manner in which individuals speak with one another has changed definitely over the long haul because of headways in innovation. A smoke sign is the most seasoned type of correspondence and they were utilized first in 200 BC to send messages along the Great Wall of China. Transmit is presently obsolete correspondence way that sent a message over the wire as electric sign starting with one spot then onto the next spot. Landline is a phone that sends signs changed over from sound information utilizing wire or fiber optic link as physical media through wired transmission and it is a perpetual association and just a single individual could make a call at any given moment. The old age of cell phones could use for calling framework and after that more highlights are included this remote handheld gadget, for example, to cause calls, to send instant messages, and make diversions. The web is a standout amongst the most dominant innovation and individuals use it as a specialized instrument for compelling correspondence these days. It makes the correspondence simpler and increasingly helpful. Web gives a few online administrations, for example, Web, Email, Social media, and web-based gaming (Evolution of Communication. (n.d.)).
Characteristics of Internet Communication
The Internet communication has various characteristics including no physical barriers, decentralized, ubiquitous, ambient, global, 24/7, real-time interaction, increased data accuracy, increased interaction process, multiple user participation, open and transparent exchange and sharing of information, increased speed of transmission of information and getting information from a co-worker for a presentation (Characteristics Internet. (n.d.)).
Various Tools for Effective Internet Communication
Internet Communication mainly helps to increase social interaction. It can be used to contact family or friends, to send an instant message to friends, to email co-workers, to place phone calls, and to conduct video conferences. Email and social media are the most popular Internet communication tools for effective communication (Use of Internet Communication. (n.d.)).
Email (Electronic mail) is a method of exchanging digital messages from a sender to one or more recipients. This system is mainly based on a store-and-forward model. Servers accept the message, forward, deliver, and store messages. Email mainly uses for information exchange, brainstorming and problem-solving, record-keeping, group work, staying in touch professionally, and socially, and transmitting documents (Use of Internet Communication. (n.d.)). Email is a popular Internet-based communication tool due to its strengths such as global, environment friendly, versatile, easy to use, free, quick sending, and reliable. On the other hand, Email has a lot of weaknesses such as lack of personal touch, misunderstandings, not always suitable for emergency notifications, viruses, spam, and counterproductive (Email. (n.d.).).
Social media
Social media is one of the best opportunities for effective Internet communication in the digital world. Social media is considered to be a support tool for social change (Peisker, 2011, p. 1). Social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they share, create, and exchange information and ideas in virtual networks (Social Media. (n.d.)). Social networks also allow making communities of similar interests. The most effective social media platforms for professional communication are Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Facebook is a social network best known worldwide for its users and most complete social experience and incorporates photos, videos, messaging, and virtual groups. Twitter is used for brief conversations and helps to reach out to people we may or may not know. It can be used for linking up with a community of people and for live event reporting. LinkedIn is essentially for the “business version” of Facebook and is mainly used for professional networking, including employers posting jobs and job seekers posting their CV’s.
Pros and Cons of Internet Communication
There is a large variety of methods of communication in today’s society. Everything has its advantages as well as disadvantages. Similarly, Internet communication has also several pros as well as cons. The various pros that are provided by Internet Communication are flexibility, relevance, choice, community, limitless, fast, and cost-effective (Pros of Online Communication.).
The main cons of Internet Communication include security threats, connectivity issues, misinterpretation, information overload, and interpersonal skills (Cons of Online Communication. (n.d.)).
Conclusion
Because of the above, I would conclude the report by stating that communication is becoming easier and more convenient by using the Internet as a communication tool. Despite certain cons of using some online communication tools like Email and other social networks, still, Internet communication mediums are popular and convenient. Internet communication tools are fast and cost-effective.
The article is well presented and informative.