Communication, what does the word really mean? The Oxford dictionary holds two definitions. The first states that communication is the sharing or exchanging of information, feelings or ideas with somebody. The second definition says communication is ways of sending or receiving information, especially via telephones, radio or computers.
We can all testify to the remarkable progress communication has made over the past few years. The world has become considerably smaller since the introduction of the internet. This in turn led to the birth of social networking websites such as My Space, Facebook and Twitter. Skype is another remarkable means of communicating over the miles. Friends and family members can converse with loved ones all over the globe. In the space of a few years global communication has evolved at a staggering rate. Although the merits of this phenomenal media growth are clearly obvious to all who partake of the glittering fruit, there is also a dark under belly that stalks as a hidden menace.
The days of receiving a cherished hand written letter from a special someone are long over. At one point in history, the sending of letters, telegrams and post cards was the only means of communication. There is something to be said for the long awaited letter that arrives in the morning post. Is it endearing to know that someone who cares about has taken the time to pen a letter on carefully chosen, sometimes scented writing paper. There is also something heart- warming in the recognition of the distinct hand writing of a much cherished friend or family member. I have never known of any two people to exhibit the exact penmanship. A person’s handwriting is as unique and special as their very fingerprint. All of this individualism is lost through modern technology and the ensuing emails and text messages.
Has humanity now evolved into a seething mass of cloned individuals who have been stripped of their individual voice through handwritten and verbal communication? Telephones have grown silent as texting has become the preferred means of communication. It is so much easier, quicker and cheaper to send a hurried, impersonal text message than pick up a telephone.
I have a wonderful aunt who diligently telephones me just because she wants to hear the sound of my voice on the other end of the line. But she is one of the very few who chooses to communicate this way. Most people prefer less intimate means of communication. Walls are erected and people are held captive to the clinical, cold voice of modern media. I have heard of ‘Dear John’ text messages! How sad it must be to be informed that the relationship is over through a text message. How insensitive and tragic. We are all so busy reaping the benefits of a smaller world and increased means of communication that we have forgotten to take stock of the importance of true one-on- one verbal communication.
Facebook has become an outstandingly effective means of communication. I have found long lost friends from my past through this internet medium. I have also ‘cyber met’ many wonderful people who I hope to one day meet in person. My best friend lives in London and thanks to email, Facebook and Skype, I am able to keep in regular contact with her. Even so, nothing quite compares to sitting down face to face and sharing a heart to heart conversation with her. Up close and personal enough to read the emotions mirrored in her eyes and hear the familiar sound of her laugh.
Last year, my eldest daughter was diagnosed with sudden onset Type 1 diabetes. She was admitted into Intensive Care on the edge of coma through acute ketonacidosis. I spent a nerve wracking night alone with her. My husband was out of town on business and during those long dark hours I texted all my family and friends to inform them of the news. I am pleased to say I was incredibly blessed by the supportive messages that poured in from all over the world. But there was one thing that disturbed me greatly. Various family and friends living nearby sent text messages. I am sure they had no idea just how reassuring I would have found the sound of their voices on the other end of the line. Better still, I would have greatly welcomed a visit.
My experience of human nature in these situations is that people generally don’t know what to do and so instead respond via text message, or even not at all. This elusive response only further added to my sense of isolation and loneliness. After that experience, I vowed that I would endeavour to make real contact in the form of verbal or physical communication wherever possible. A friendly hello or a comforting hug would go a long way to ensuring this world becomes a better, less frightening and lonely place.
I have also known people to text condolence messages to grieving people instead of taking the time to attend the relevant funeral. I sure hope that on the day God chooses to take me home I will have touched enough people’s lives through authentic ‘real’ communication that they feel connected enough to me to want to attend my funeral.
The lines of communication have been thrown wide open in recent years. But just as in the aftermath of a giant earthquake, many are left heartbroken, alone, stranded and lonely. The fragile threat of true intimacy has been eroded and humanity is suspended in nowhere land.
It would be wise to remember that every truly great advance in technology comes at a cost. We are losing our individual and unique voices through modern media. Although I applaud these massive advances in communication, I am also weary of becoming a cloned slave to the communication machine.
In closing, I have decided to continue sampling the many treats contained in the cookie jar of today’s communication matrix. But, at the same time I have deliberated to always communicate my authentic voice wherever possible. There are a myriad of ways I can do this. I can make a simple phone call to a grieving friend or take the time to travel a few miles out of my way to visit a relative.
I am very aware that at times I may unwittingly offend someone. Be it through sending a text message instead of making that important phone call, or neglecting to visit a friend as promised. But, the important thing is at least I have the ambition is to conquer the clone like sameness and choose to be different. And, in so doing somehow make a difference.
We are created to be nurturing, supportive and caring of each other. Sadly, modern technology in lacking in its ability to truly convey a message of love quite as affectively as a warm hug or a listening ear on the other end of a telephone.
