Digital communication

Introduction

Gone are the days when news was delivered once a day by the postman, the newspaper boy, or the eight o'clock news presenter.

Vast amounts of data pass through the internet every second, and a large part of today's communication takes place in digital form.

Communication in the digital age

How does the internet influence our communication? High data speeds allow information to be exchanged very quickly; the data sent can be accessed at any time worldwide on a computer or a mobile device.

The possibilities of internet communication or communication with smartphones are very diverse. In addition to emails, SMS and chat messages, voice calls and video calls can also be made.

Furthermore, users have a variety of online communities, portals, and sharing websites available to them.

Communication 2.0

What does Communication 2.0 mean? The term Web 2.0 is now well-known. Content can not only be accessed on the internet, but it is also possible to upload your own content, for example in the form of blogs, forums or community entries. Communication 2.0 also involves bilateral exchange.

For companies, Communication 2.0 can be used, for example, in the areas of knowledge management within the workforce or for efficient interaction with customers. Direct communication between employees or direct communication with customers can create great added value for the company. Employees share their knowledge on suitable platforms and can thus work more efficiently.

Customer requirements can be recognised at an early stage through good contacts, which can mean a development advantage over the competition.

Communication with Social Media

As a major pioneer, Facebook has made it clear that people want to present themselves and interact online. Currently, over 1.15 billion people worldwide use this platform. Communities that focus on specific topics, such as cooking, cars, or hobbies, are also becoming more numerous; people with the same interests are joining together and can interact on the platforms.

Companies have also discovered social media communication for themselves some time ago. Almost every large company has a page on Facebook or Twitter where products, news and the company are presented. Communication via social media brings companies closer to their customers; information can be exchanged easily and without obligation.

Customers are informed about current products, and the company receives direct feedback from customers via the often-connected forum or comment section.

Digital communication – hopefully not just

It can be assumed that communication in digital form will continue to increase, in both professional and private spheres. Quickly sending an SMS or WhatsApp message, briefly posting one's location on Facebook with a photo, or placing an online order – personal communication can increasingly be replaced by internet communication or social media communication in digital form.

On the one hand, it is practical, as it facilitates communication and can be received anywhere in the world. On the other hand, one hopes that the so-called digital natives, the generation that has been familiar with the internet and now smartphones since childhood, does not lose the ability for personal, face-to-face communication, i.e., without a digital device.