Digital communication

Introduction

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

Large 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? The high data speed enables information to be exchanged very quickly; the data sent can be called up at any time on a computer or mobile device anywhere in the world.

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

Users also have a large number of online communities, portals and sharing websites at their disposal.

Communication 2.0

What does Communication 2.0 mean? The term Web 2.0 is now well known. Not only can content be accessed on the Internet, but it is also possible to post your own content online, e.g. in the form of blogs, forums or community entries. Communication 2.0 is also about 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

Facebook, as a major pioneer, has made it clear that people want to present and exchange information online. Over 1.15 billion people worldwide currently use this platform. Communities that deal with specific topics, e.g. cooking, cars or hobbies, are also growing in number, people with the same interests are joining forces and can exchange ideas on the platforms.

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

Customers are informed about the latest products and the company receives direct feedback from customers via the forum or comment field that is often connected.

Digital communication - hopefully not just

It can be assumed that communication in digital form will continue to increase, both at work and at home. Writing a quick text or WhatsApp message, posting your location on Facebook with a quick 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 because it makes communication easier and can be received anywhere in the world. On the other hand, it is to be hoped that the so-called digital natives, the generation that has been familiar with the internet and now smartphones from an early age, will not forget the ability to communicate face-to-face, i.e. without a digital device.