Through the use of a few simple clicks on a smart device a person can be connected and communicating to another person from virtually anywhere in the world. While this is an amazing and extremely useful way of utilising technology, it has also drastically changed and altered the way that humans communicate with each other. Flash back to half a century ago when the main form of communication was either a telegraph, a letter that would take weeks to be transferred or very limited phone calls. During this time people had to genuinely connect with one another in order to make connections and communicate with each other. This is very different to today’s society where a simple emoji can mean 1000 words. Instead of expressing genuine emotion through the use of words humans now use emojis, a simple graphic image to represent authentic emotion (T. Antonucci 2017).
Methods of communication have changed drastically due to technology, here are five main prominent benefits:
- More efficient.
- Faster method of communication during emergencies.
- Able to communicate from anywhere in the world.
- Long distance communication is easier.
- Communication made easier.
(M Jones 2017)
While these benefits seem to have no fault to them, there are a range of ethical issues associated with communication though technology. The standout one being social interaction and communication skills within a face to face setting. Due to technology humans have restricted themselves from actual interaction with the thought that there is no need to, a phone call or a text is the same. This is not the case, physical human interaction is the number one most important part of living, without it we would go insane. Technology has significantly restricted or reduced the amount of physical human interaction individuals are having. It has been found that people find it easier to hold a conversation though text, leading to awkwardness and potential fear of actual conversations. M. Jones recognises that “the use and benefits of technology likely vary according to personal and situational characteristics, and that those new social relations will influence health in unique ways representing important future directions” (M. Jones 2017). Meaning that technology can create a space of false reality, mixed communication and lack of realness. There are also a range of ethical issues associated with technology that impact almost everyone that uses technology, these being; hacking, social issues, plagiarism, privacy and cyber bullying.
As a preservice teacher and someone who is aware of the changing technological world, I am making a conscious effort to be aware of the ethical issues associated with communication though the use of technology. It is important to identify these ethical issues as it will allow for the creation of a more fulfilling lifestyle for humans and the future generations ahead.
References:
Shirley, S. (2014, March 31). How has technology affected human behavior? (guest Blog by JaguarPC). Retrieved September 16, 2016, from https://bennisinc.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/how-has-technology-affected-human-behavior-guest-blog-by-jaguarpc/
Walter, D. (2008). Communication technology: the magic of touch: these innovations in display technology may very well influence the way that we use and interact with computers and information technology and other media in the future. Retrieved from https://go-gale-com.ezproxy1.acu.edu.au/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=acuni&id=GALE%7CA186900189&v=2.1&it=r
T. Antonucci. (2017.) Social Relations and Technology: Continuity, Context, and Change Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954608/
M Jones. (2017) Course: Evolution of technology: Advantages and Disadvantages Retrieved from:
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