5.11.2018
Compare Contrast Essay
Face-to-Face Communication vs Online Communication
Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place to another.
It’s nearly impossible to go through a day without the use of communication. In the
21st century, we are now living in, the rapid advancement of technology has
completely changed our lives, especially the tools we use to interact. Therefore online
communication has become more and more common nowadays. Face-to-face or
online communication, although both are the form of communication, they have some
very important differences.
Every day, in our lives, we make a lot of face-to-face interactions and it is the most
popular way of contact with people. To begin with, face-to-face communication can
enhance the effectiveness in communicating. Because it makes conversations more
clear and understandable. When people face to someone, they can easily show their
emotion by using body languages and facial expressions. Through a message or e-mail,
an individual may question your feelings and may have a suspicion. In addition, when
you talk about an important or sensitive problem, the person may question your
trustworthiness, sincerity or righteousness. And that can put you in a difficult position.
Eventually, it can break a relationship. On the other hand, with face-to-face
communication, we can feel the other person’s energy and that makes people get
closer. For instance, with online communication, we can also get many friends but
these relationships may not last very long because we can’t know the characteristic of
our ‘’virtual’’ friend. Although face-to-face communication has advantageous sides, it
is not quite suitable for urgent situations.
In today’s world, we find ourselves communicating more and more through online
channels. There are some situations where online communication is unavoidable. For
example, urgent situations or talking with a friend when you are not able to meet that
moment. In addition, online communication is better for distant friendship. You can be
in touch with your friend wherever he or she is. And with the development of
technology, you can communicate by using video chat systems such as Skype. On the
other hand, you have lots of time to think carefully about what to write before replying.
You can’t take what you have said back, but you can edit your messages or even delete
them before other person reads it. If you are an introvert person, online
communication can be better for you. Yet, you may be unable to put the emphasis in
the right part of the sentence.
In conclusion, online communication is in favor of long-distance contact, group
projects, making new friends, saving time and money and in some cases improving
relationships. With face-to-face communication, it is easier to grow a strong bonded
relationship, easier to express emotion and sarcasm. Although both are social
interactions, in the result, they contrast heavily.