Impact of Technology on Communication

The impact of technology is both positive and negative. But logically thinking, technology
has bettered the communication process and has done negligible harm. This article
discusses the overall impact of technology on communication.
The development of technology has considerably improved our lifestyle. It has made its
impact felt on each and every aspect of life, including the communication techniques.
The development of communication has seen huge progress; from the symbols to the
latest swanky mobiles! Each century has seen a new addition to the ever-growing list of
means of communication. The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in
the year 1875 was the first technological invention that impacted communication in
humans to a massive extent. Other subsequent inventions like that of the Internet, cell
phones, etc., further eased and changed the communication process.
Effects of Technology on Communication
Everything has both a positive and negative impact, and the impact of technology on the
communication process also comes as a mixed baggage. In this article, we would be
discussing the impact of popular technological elements like emails, telephones, cell
phones, etc., on our means of communication. Mobiles and the Internet are literally the
basic necessities these days. A majority of us would feel something missing in life, if
there were no mobiles or Internet (Agree?).
Take the daily routine of a person in this tech-savvy world. The day begins with a "good
morning message" on a mobile app and ends with a "goodnight" on the same app. The
social networking apps/sites are a world in themselves, like a virtual world! There is the
incessant use of mobiles and the Internet for communication, the whole day. To make
the process quick and easy, there are modes like online chats, emails, teleconferencing,
video conferencing, networking sites, etc., among other tools. Mobiles, emails, and
social networking sites are the most popular means of communication among the
current generation.
Positive Impact
Technology has transformed the once big and far world into a tiny global village. Thanks
to technology, we now have the power to communicate with anybody on the other side
of the world. The points below summarize these benefits.

No barriers: Communication is now easy; in case of situations when you want to

convey something urgently to someone, mobiles and emails come in handy.

Strengthened relations: Technology has made it easy to keep in touch with old
contacts, and has also helped strengthen relationships.

Better solutions: Technology has brought the world closer and promoted
exchange of thoughts to find better solutions to any problem.

E-schools: Services like video-conferencing has made it possible to give best

education to students via expert faculty on the web.

Impact on relations: Finding someone to date was never so easy, thanks to the
dating and chatting websites! No one would disagree if I say - Technology is the
rationale behind the success of long-distance relationships. Video chats and social
networking sites have played a big role in keeping people in touch.

Development: Technological advancements in the modes of communication have

promoted faster decision-making, and led to the development and progress of the world.
Video conferencing has played a considerate role in promoting faster decision-making.
Most of the businesses depend on technology for communication.
Negative Impact
The most prominent negative effect of technology - the charm of the good old world is
missing. The letters, and lengthy face-to-face conversations have gone away, and have
been replaced by texting or chatting.

Impact on interpersonal communication: The current generation lacks essential

interpersonal skills (the ability to express the ideas and thoughts to others, face-to-face).
A major reason for this tendency is increased frequency of communication through
texting and chatting on websites.

Effect on nonverbal communication: Technological means have also affected

nonverbal communication. Lack of face-to-face interaction has reduced the nonverbal
grasping power of individuals.

Near yet far: Teenagers especially, are always hooked to the social networking
sites. They are more close to online friends, but the gap between parents and kids has
increased considerably. Communication is missing, parents are not techno-savvy and
not used to the communication styles of their kids, and this has increased the
generation gap.

Reduced social interactions: Consider the socializing among people. Life has
changed a lot; there are no social meetings and get-togethers (the frequency has
reduced). People are more bothered about their online life rather than the real social life.

Has led to many addictions: People have literally become addicted to the Internet
and cell phones, and this addiction has led to many anxiety disorders. People addicted
to the Internet feel lonely and isolated.

Malicious motives: Many people abuse the social networking sites and
communicate to unsuspecting beings pretending someone else. This tendency of
people has done more harm than good.
As you can see, the positive points of the technological advancements cover up the
negative points. It all depends on how we use these means; use the technological
means of communication for sane purposes, and don't abuse them for malicious
motives.

Hemangi Harankhedkar

June 7, 2011

Integrated Telecom and IT

Wireless connectivity for remote locations. VSAT, Radio, and more.

, Paragraphs (See Guide 1.30)

A paragraph normally deals with one topic or aspect of a central issue. Two paragraphs may be on
different topics but linked by that difference - you may have two paragraphs dealing with cause and
effect, or positive and negative aspects of one argument, or a before and after situation. Sometimes,
the first sentence of a paragraph is the "topic sentence" - that is, it explains what the paragraph is
about and gives the main theme.
Cohesion (See Guide 1.33)
The transition from one paragraph to another often presents some difficulty - but it is essential to
maintain continuity and give verbal signposts to your reader. Some common linking words and phrases
which can help you to do this are:
but, however, on the other hand,
yet

indicate

CONTRAST

for example, that is

indicate

ILLUSTRATION

similarly, moreover, furthermore,

in addition

indicate

EXTENSION

therefore, consequently, as a
result, thus

indicate

CONCLUSION

then, after that, ultimately

indicate

THE NEXT STEP

1. Read the essay question carefully

Highlight key words.

Use the dictionary to check the meaning of any unfamiliar words.

Identify the task words that indicate what needs to be done, eg discuss', explain',
compare'.

Identify the topic words that indicate the particular subject of the essay, eg the
character of Juliet' in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the causes' of World War
1.

Identify any limiting words that restrict the discussion to a particular area, eg in
Chapters 1-3', during the nineteenth century'.

2. Finish any necessary reading or research as background to the essay

Be selective: use sources which are relevant and accessible.

Write notes in your own words.

Write down quotations that may be particularly useful, but ensure the source of
these quotes is acknowledged if they're used.

Take note of sources so they can be provided in footnotes and the bibliography.

2. Brainstorm ideas in response to the question

Jot down any relevant points.

Make note of any relevant evidence or quotes that come to mind.

Use a mind map to help stimulate lateral thinking.

2. Develop a thesis (idea/argument) that encapsulates the response to

the question

The thesis should be a statement that strongly expresses the overall response to
the question.

Avoid a thesis that's too simplistic show thought has been put into some of the
complexities behind the question.

The thesis is the backbone of the essay it will be stated in the introduction. It also
needs to be referred to several times in the essay before restating it and
demonstrating how it has been proven in the conclusion.

2. Write a plan for the response

Order ideas in a logical sequence.

Make sure every point in the plan is relevant to the question.

After the plan has been written it should be clear where the essay is going.

2. Write the introduction

Open up the discussion.

Introduce the thesis.

Indicate how the questions will be answered.

Name any texts to be discussed, if appropriate.

Engage the reader.

2. Write the main body of the essay

Ensure each point is given a new paragraph.

Use words or phrases at the start of each paragraph that will indicate to the reader
how it relates to the previous paragraph, eg, 'however', in addition', nevertheless',
moreover'.

Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly links the paragraph to the
rest of the essay, eg "A striking example of Gary Crew's use of light and darkness
imagery to suggest notions of knowledge and ignorance occurs in the scene on the
jetty".

Provide supporting evidence for each point that you make.

Revisit the thesis, and express it in different ways if possible, to emphasise how the
question is being addressed.

2. Write the essay conclusion

Summarise the main ideas.

Demonstrate how you have proven your thesis.

Finish with an interesting or thought-provoking, but relevant, comment.

2. Edit the draft

Check for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Delete any sections that are not particularly relevant.

Change vocabulary to improve expression.

Seek feedback from peers or a teacher before writing the final copy.

2. Write the final copy

Add any footnotes or bibliography if required.

Present a clean, neat copy.

Submit on time.

1. Read write read write read write read write

read write read
What does this mean? It means that you should go back and read the paragraph you
have just written before you start the next one. You may think that this is a waste of
time. If so, youd be wrong.
1.

Its important to link your paragraphs together what more practical way to do that than
just read what you have written?

2.

It helps you with words for the next paragraph it is good to repeat some words as this
improves your coherence. Look at my sample essay to see how I repeat/reflect language. In one
paragraph I talk about the short term, this makes it easy to move onto the long term in the next
paragraph.

3.

You may also want to check out my series of lessons on the process of writing IELTS
essays where you will find a much more detailed explanation of this,

2. Dont be smart, be clear select your best idea

One of my very first posts/articles on this site was headed IELTS is not a test of
intelligence. While the post itself now looks a little old, the advice is still good. You are
being tested on the quality of your English, not on the quality of your ideas.
This advice is particularly important for candidates who come from an academic
background where they are used to being graded on quality and quantity of ideas.

IELTS is different: it is quite possible to write a band 9.0 essay and not include some key
ideas, let alone all the ideas.
The practical advice here is to select your best idea and write about that. That means not
writing everything you know leave some ideas out. Dont worry if it is not your best
explanation, worry about whether it is your clearest explanation.

3. Write about what you know relax about ideas

This is a similar idea. IELTS is an international exam (thats the I in IELTS) and the
questions are written to be answered by anyone around the world. Some people stress
about finding ideas. They shouldnt. The ideas you need are generally simple (egI
disagree, This is not a good idea).
The practical solution is to think about what YOU know and what YOUR experience is.
If you look at the question, this is what it tells you to do. If you come from Bonn, write
about Bonn; if you come from Ulan Bator, write about Ulan Bator!

4. Examples are easier to write than explanations

In an exam you are under pressure. You want to make things as easy for yourself as
possible. One practical idea to achieve this is to focus as much on examples as
explanations when you write. Why?
Its simply harder if you only think because. Some of the ideas may be very complex
and, under pressure, it can be difficult to explain these with reasons. What may happen
is that your sentences become too long and the ideas confused.
The practical bit is to concentrate as much on examples. This is a good idea as examples
tend to be easier to write as you are simply describing situations. You should also note
that the instructions tell you to use examples! All you need to do is make sure that your
examples are relevant to the main idea.

5. Dont write too much the examiner is paid by the minute

There is no upper word limit I know of, but it really isnt a good idea to write 350 words
or more. Heres why:
1.

Examiners will only spend so much time looking at any essay. Write too much and they
will read what you wrote less carefully. It is easier to read/grade a 300 word essay than a 400
word essay!

2.

The more you write, the more likely you are to make language mistakes.

3.

The more you write, the more likely you are to go off topic. The examiner wont
read/grade anything that doesnt directly relate to the question.

4.

If you write less, you give yourself more time to choose the best words and thats what
you are being graded on.

5.

If you write less, you give yourself more time to go back and check what you have
written.

6. Writer know yourself

One of the most famous philosophical thoughts is know yourself. How does this apply
to exam writing? Did Plato really have IELTS in mind when he wrote his dialogues?
Well, no, but
The idea is that you should check for your mistakes when you write. The practical part
here is that you shouldnt check for mistakes generally thats too hard and probably a
waste of time in the exam. What isnt a waste of time though is to look for mistakes you
know you can correct the ones you normally make!
The really practical thing is to have your own checklist in your head before you start
writing.

7. See the whole essay in your head before you start writing
Its very important that your essay is a whole that all the bits fit together. If you dont
do that, you may lose significant marks for both coherence and task response.
This means planning of course. Planning bothers some people and bores others. There
are different ways to do this, but at the very least have a map of your essay in your head.

8. Focus on the backbone of your essay

This is a related point. All the essay matters of course, but perhaps some bits matter
more than others. Id suggest the practical thing to do is concentrate on the backbone of
your essay, the bits that help you write better and the examiner to understand better.
The backbone is:
1.

The introduction: this should identify the question and outline your position. Dont
rush it as it is the first thing the examiner will read. First impressions count.

2.

The first/topic sentences of each paragraph: these should be clear and to the
point. They should identify exactly what that paragraph is about and show how it relates to the
rest of the essay. The practical tip is to keep the detail/clever ideas for the body of the paragraph.
Start off general and then build towards the specific.

3.

The conclusion: this is the easiest part of the essay normally. Most often, all you need
to do is go back to the introduction and rephrase it

Get these bits right and the rest of the essay tends to take care of itself.

9. Dont just practice whole essays

The best way to learn to write essays is to write essays? True or false? My answer is a bit
of both.

Yes, you do need to practise writing complete essays, but it may be a mistake to do only
that. The different part of essays require slightly different skills. To write an
introduction, you need to be able to paraphrase the question. To write a body paragraph,
you need to be able to explain ideas. To write a conclusion, you need to be able
summarise.
The practical suggestion is to practise writing introductions, body paragraphs and
conclusions separately. Focus on skills.

10. Focus on the question and refocus on the question

I have left this one to last as it is for me the most important idea. Essays go wrong for
different reasons. Some of these you may not be able to avoid: the quality of your
English may not be good enough yet. The one mistake you can always avoid is that you
didnt answer the question. Too many essays go wrong because candidates didnt read
and think about the question properly.
The practical suggestion: before you write each paragraph, refer back to the question to
remind yourself about what you are meant to write about.
It is very easy to get carried away in exams. You may start off on topic, then you have a
good idea as you write. So you write about that. Sadly, that good idea may not fully
relate to the question. Big problem.