digital communication
According to Ribble (2011) digital communication “is the electronic exchange of information”. Essentially it is communication that has been encoded electronically to facilitate the transmission for exchange, allowing it to be stored and/ or processed by computers
Digital Communication Forms
Over the centuries communication methods and forms have evolved. In prehistoric days communication revolved around sounds and painting on cave walls to depict stories. In the 19th century forms of communication were limited to verbal, being face-to-face, and written, in the forms of letters and books. Today we have communication forms ranging from face-to-face covering vast distances using VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocols), such as Skype, to written communication, be it synchronous such as IM or asynchronous, such as e-mail
Over the centuries communication methods and forms have evolved. In prehistoric days communication revolved around sounds and painting on cave walls to depict stories. In the 19th century forms of communication were limited to verbal, being face-to-face, and written, in the forms of letters and books. Today we have communication forms ranging from face-to-face covering vast distances using VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocols), such as Skype, to written communication, be it synchronous such as IM or asynchronous, such as e-mail
Communication Model
This model is adapted from Shannon and Weaver (1949), but has since been elaborated upon by various other theorists resulting in this communications model as seen below.
The sender will encode the message, select the most appropriate medium for transmission of the message and send it to the receiver, who in turn will decode the message (translate the message) and give a response
This model is adapted from Shannon and Weaver (1949), but has since been elaborated upon by various other theorists resulting in this communications model as seen below.
The sender will encode the message, select the most appropriate medium for transmission of the message and send it to the receiver, who in turn will decode the message (translate the message) and give a response
Digital Communication forms
The Internet and E-mail
The Internet as a concept was first described in 1962 by a researcher at MIT in the U.S, with the first email being sent in 1971. There is debate around who invented these technologies, but either way the foundation was laid for communicating over networks. The most common communication is email, which is used for both business and personal communication.
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows people to communicate synchronously using the Internet. The most commonly used, and popular, platform for this is Skype. Originally this was voice only, but two years after their launch, video was added, allowing people to see each other whilst conversing. This type of communication enables the body language and tone to ‘re-enter’ the communication, thereby reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
Cell phones
Cell phones are amazing in that they allow us to communicate with others anywhere and anytime. With cell phone communication we are still able to convey tone along with the actual words. Body language is limited to sounds we may make, e.g. laughing at a joke that is ‘dry’ and could be misinterpreted if the sound of laughter were not accompanied. The biggest downside of cellular technology, which is ironically its greatest advantage, is that the phones have become a constant presence in our lives, reducing our privacy with its facilitation of being contactable anywhere and anytime.
Instant Messaging, MMS, and Texting
Instant messaging is when we communicate in writing and get a synchronous response. This form normally takes place on computers, and tends to be synchronous. Text messaging (SMS or WhatsApp) is a form of IM but is to a lesser extent synchronous. The back and forth may happen fairly quickly but there is a certain lag, which does not necessarily exist in IM. Both forms have a high risk of misunderstandings, as the tone and body language is difficult to convey. Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) are another form of texting via mobile with the use of multimedia (photos, videos, etc.). This is sometimes referred to as pxting, where text is supported by an image, sound byte or short clip.
Social Media
Social media platforms offer different ways in which to share, but essentially the purpose is to share what is going on in your life. Instagram is a platform of sharing your photos, Facebook is for sharing what you are doing, Flickr for photos, Twitter for your thoughts/ opinions, YouTube your videos, etc. Depending on what you are sharing and why this will dictate which platform you should use.
Blogs, wikis, and Internet Forums
Blogs are like an online journal centralised around one specific theme. The blogger is someone who believes that their opinion on the theme is worth sharing. Wikis are editable websites, with the most famous one being Wikipedia. Internet forums are virtual places where people share ideas, advice and thoughts around a specific topic or theme.
Digital Communication Etiquette
Although this is dealt with in more detail in Learning Unit 4, these guidelines are helpful with regard to specific types of communication forms (due to the nature of the topic there may be some overlap).
Email Etiquette
Email etiquette includes, but is not limited to, the following:
All caps equals shouting
Do not use all capitals as this represents a raised voice or SHOUTING
Subject heading that is relevant
The subject line must be relevant and meaningful so the recipient knows what the email is about. Size of attachments When attaching a file be aware of the size, as this affects people’s bandwidth and data usage.
Forwarding of emails
Be careful with what you forward to friends and to whom you forward the email. Chain emails are never popular and should never be forwarded onto anyone, you should simply delete as soon as you get one. Emails containing jokes should also be thought about carefully before sending it onwards, as these emails can be misinterpreted. Remember humour is very subjective.
BCC emails to groups of people
When sending an email to many people at once, rather make use of the “BCC” option (Blind Carbon Copy) for their addresses, and put your email in the “To” box. This ensures that others in the group are not able to obtain another person’s email address; thereby you are protecting their privacy. If you are sending emails to multiple people at a time ensure you use the "BCC" (Blind Carbon Copy) option to enter the email addresses into instead of the "To" option. This is because this will not advertise the recipients email addresses to all of the recipients of the email, hereby keeping the privacy of your contacts
.Blog Etiquette
Blog etiquette includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Always respect copyright and intellectual property laws and regulations.
Never copy other people’s blog comments and claim these as yours. If you wish to use the comment/ s then you must either get their approval or reference your source and the author.
Think before you blog.
Blogs are open to the public, so you must consider your comments before posting them, as you may later regret them. Also note restriction options when you write your blog, especially with regards to the comments section.
Don't be abusive.
Given that blogs are public there will be people that may disagree with the topic or your opinions. Refrain from responding to comments that are abusive and avoid making such comments yourself. If you do need to criticize a comment, make sure you deal with the comment and not the person.
Stick to the topic.
Ensure that your comments on other people’s blog are relevant, if they are not start a new post. Don't respond to blog trolls. To ‘troll’ is a slang word for a person that repeatedly posts irrelevant messages on a blog. Do not respond to these posts, as all it will do is encourage the ‘trolling’ action.
Inappropriate Communication
Personal digital communication can have long reaching impacts, where our words, often said in the moment of heated emotion are stored and ever present. With the advent of social media there is a greater risk of over-sharing, inadvertent bullying, or just plain maliciousness. We need to be careful in our behaviour and conduct whilst online, as the longevity of the comments/statement cannot be underestimated
Businesses also have a responsibility in their communications, be it internal or external. Internal communications can impact on people’s careers, whereas their external communications has an impact on the broader community and not just their own target base. This includes focusing on appropriate advertising, transparency about the product and ethics of the company, as well as understanding the cultures and languages involved
Inappropriate digital communication varies depending on the platform and the audience. It is imperative that thought is given to the audience and to the type of message being sent, the language that is used and the manner in which it is delivered. By not following good netiquette the communication becomes inappropriate.
The Internet and E-mail
The Internet as a concept was first described in 1962 by a researcher at MIT in the U.S, with the first email being sent in 1971. There is debate around who invented these technologies, but either way the foundation was laid for communicating over networks. The most common communication is email, which is used for both business and personal communication.
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows people to communicate synchronously using the Internet. The most commonly used, and popular, platform for this is Skype. Originally this was voice only, but two years after their launch, video was added, allowing people to see each other whilst conversing. This type of communication enables the body language and tone to ‘re-enter’ the communication, thereby reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
Cell phones
Cell phones are amazing in that they allow us to communicate with others anywhere and anytime. With cell phone communication we are still able to convey tone along with the actual words. Body language is limited to sounds we may make, e.g. laughing at a joke that is ‘dry’ and could be misinterpreted if the sound of laughter were not accompanied. The biggest downside of cellular technology, which is ironically its greatest advantage, is that the phones have become a constant presence in our lives, reducing our privacy with its facilitation of being contactable anywhere and anytime.
Instant Messaging, MMS, and Texting
Instant messaging is when we communicate in writing and get a synchronous response. This form normally takes place on computers, and tends to be synchronous. Text messaging (SMS or WhatsApp) is a form of IM but is to a lesser extent synchronous. The back and forth may happen fairly quickly but there is a certain lag, which does not necessarily exist in IM. Both forms have a high risk of misunderstandings, as the tone and body language is difficult to convey. Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) are another form of texting via mobile with the use of multimedia (photos, videos, etc.). This is sometimes referred to as pxting, where text is supported by an image, sound byte or short clip.
Social Media
Social media platforms offer different ways in which to share, but essentially the purpose is to share what is going on in your life. Instagram is a platform of sharing your photos, Facebook is for sharing what you are doing, Flickr for photos, Twitter for your thoughts/ opinions, YouTube your videos, etc. Depending on what you are sharing and why this will dictate which platform you should use.
Blogs, wikis, and Internet Forums
Blogs are like an online journal centralised around one specific theme. The blogger is someone who believes that their opinion on the theme is worth sharing. Wikis are editable websites, with the most famous one being Wikipedia. Internet forums are virtual places where people share ideas, advice and thoughts around a specific topic or theme.
Digital Communication Etiquette
Although this is dealt with in more detail in Learning Unit 4, these guidelines are helpful with regard to specific types of communication forms (due to the nature of the topic there may be some overlap).
Email Etiquette
Email etiquette includes, but is not limited to, the following:
All caps equals shouting
Do not use all capitals as this represents a raised voice or SHOUTING
Subject heading that is relevant
The subject line must be relevant and meaningful so the recipient knows what the email is about. Size of attachments When attaching a file be aware of the size, as this affects people’s bandwidth and data usage.
Forwarding of emails
Be careful with what you forward to friends and to whom you forward the email. Chain emails are never popular and should never be forwarded onto anyone, you should simply delete as soon as you get one. Emails containing jokes should also be thought about carefully before sending it onwards, as these emails can be misinterpreted. Remember humour is very subjective.
BCC emails to groups of people
When sending an email to many people at once, rather make use of the “BCC” option (Blind Carbon Copy) for their addresses, and put your email in the “To” box. This ensures that others in the group are not able to obtain another person’s email address; thereby you are protecting their privacy. If you are sending emails to multiple people at a time ensure you use the "BCC" (Blind Carbon Copy) option to enter the email addresses into instead of the "To" option. This is because this will not advertise the recipients email addresses to all of the recipients of the email, hereby keeping the privacy of your contacts
.Blog Etiquette
Blog etiquette includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Always respect copyright and intellectual property laws and regulations.
Never copy other people’s blog comments and claim these as yours. If you wish to use the comment/ s then you must either get their approval or reference your source and the author.
Think before you blog.
Blogs are open to the public, so you must consider your comments before posting them, as you may later regret them. Also note restriction options when you write your blog, especially with regards to the comments section.
Don't be abusive.
Given that blogs are public there will be people that may disagree with the topic or your opinions. Refrain from responding to comments that are abusive and avoid making such comments yourself. If you do need to criticize a comment, make sure you deal with the comment and not the person.
Stick to the topic.
Ensure that your comments on other people’s blog are relevant, if they are not start a new post. Don't respond to blog trolls. To ‘troll’ is a slang word for a person that repeatedly posts irrelevant messages on a blog. Do not respond to these posts, as all it will do is encourage the ‘trolling’ action.
Inappropriate Communication
Personal digital communication can have long reaching impacts, where our words, often said in the moment of heated emotion are stored and ever present. With the advent of social media there is a greater risk of over-sharing, inadvertent bullying, or just plain maliciousness. We need to be careful in our behaviour and conduct whilst online, as the longevity of the comments/statement cannot be underestimated
Businesses also have a responsibility in their communications, be it internal or external. Internal communications can impact on people’s careers, whereas their external communications has an impact on the broader community and not just their own target base. This includes focusing on appropriate advertising, transparency about the product and ethics of the company, as well as understanding the cultures and languages involved
Inappropriate digital communication varies depending on the platform and the audience. It is imperative that thought is given to the audience and to the type of message being sent, the language that is used and the manner in which it is delivered. By not following good netiquette the communication becomes inappropriate.