“As communication technologies become an integral part of our everyday interper¬sonal communication landscape, the borders between them gradually fade, both with respect to the functions they are supposed to accomplish and to the uses people make of them” (Petrovčič, 2011).
I believe the above quote by Petrovčič explains a lot about what is going on between relationships and technology these days. It has been stated many times that having relationships is a vital part keeping a person healthy and happy. Many times once we leave school, a job or even move to a different area, and it becomes more and more difficult and time consuming to keep up relationships with those in our past. Many people these days have turned to social outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, email and other mobile sources of communication to stay in touch with those they love. However, the faster and easier that the communication method is, some people believe the less meaning the message may have to the person that is receiving it. These status updates, posts and emails are ok for updating what is going on in your life, but should not replace one-on-one time that you have with people that you want to continue to have relationships with in your life.
With all the convenient methods we have of communicating these days, people should not forget to replace these conveniences with face to face connections. One way that I have found to keep in touch with loved ones while I am traveling or cannot meet in person is Face Timing or Skype. This form of social media communication still has all the conveniences that are appealing for people on the go, but being able to see someone’s face while communicating gets your personal message across a lot better that a few letter text messages. Being able to see a loved one’s face, even over an iPad or computer does not replace an “in person” conversation, but it does help to improve your mood while having to travel and be away from home for extended periods of time.
As the quote stated, technology is an integral part of our everyday communication, but we shouldn’t lower the value of our relationships because of it. I believe that it is still vital to use “old school” communication like the phone to chat with friends and try to meet with your best friends and family members on a regular basis in person to continue valuable relationships.
By: Samantha Fowler
Reference
Petrovčič, A. (2011). Social uses of interpersonal communication technologies in a
complex media environment. European Journal of Communication, 26(2),
Retrieved from http://ejc.sagepub.com/content/26/2/116
doi: 0.1177/0267323111402654
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