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Positive Side of Digital Communication

Introduction

First, what is digital communication?

Digital communication refers to communicating via online media. It is the use of online tools such as websites, chat apps, social media, etc. by businesses to connect with customers, employees, prospective customers, and the public.

In recent times, corporate organizations have made intentional efforts to connect better with people via the internet as they encourage digital communication among the employees.

What are some positives of digital communication?

Positives of Digital Communication

  • It has Made Communication Faster 

Through the use of the internet, people can communicate faster. In workplaces, reports and memos are transmitted through emails. For companies with branches and subsidiaries in different geographical locations, communication is seamless and occurs in seconds.

Companies are also able to respond to their clients in short periods. They can pass across messages to the public in a matter of seconds via the internet.

  • Remote Work is now Feasible 

During the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the world in 2020, some businesses had to shut down while others had their staff work from home. Having staff work from home became a more practical solution for many big corporations.

Through resources like Slack, Zoom, Google Meet, etc. virtual communication is possible. Companies can hire the best talents from across the world without worrying about visas or travel restrictions. Employees can also work from their comfort zones and have more flexible schedules.

  • More Relatable Brand Persona

This is in the context of the company’s relationship with its customers. The presence of many popular brands on social media allows them to prop up a relatable brand character and in turn, brings more customers.

With the proper use of digital communication in relating with customers/prospective customers, the business can sell a character that is real and bring in more customers.

It was harder to do in the past when the only medium of communication was via newspapers and television.

The Risk of Stimulants

Every drug carries its own set of risks, but while a number of people look at the name of one substance, in particular, they fail to look at the group as a whole. In turn, one specific group that drugs may fall under is stimulants which are defined as “a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.” These are also known as “uppers” because they cause the individual’s functions to move at a faster rate than what they should be going.

However, some doctors may prescribe stimulants as a form of treatment for a variety of different disorders such as; attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and others. The reasoning behind this is because such stimulants “increase alertness, attention, and energy,” in turn counteracting the behaviors within the person. Some examples of these prescribed stimulants are Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc. Consequently, while some may find relief from the symptoms – and/or disorder – that they are struggling with, others may find themselves addicted when using said stimulants recreationally. 

In fact, stimulants can have a great impact on the body and can cause a plethora of problems all their own if one is not careful. If one is caution he/she will take them in the right dosage – and only if prescribed – because the body can be very sensitive to them. “Many users experience a loss of appetite, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and body temperature, interrupted sleep patterns, panic, hallucinations, and irritability.” If this occurs within a small window of time, just imagine how much more deadly and dangerous stimulants can be for those who choose to use them over an extended period. 

In conclusion, that’s why it’s important that one gets the help he/she needs before his/her addiction gets too far out of hand. It is only then that a cap can be put over it – to contain it – before it reaches its later stages. Unfortunately, anything can happen, especially if the addict makes the mistake of overusing – and/or overdosing – on the substance. In doing so, he/she allows the stimulant to take his/her body over in its full entirety. One example of this is through his/her heart rate. If he/she continues to take the substance in excess, he/she has the possibility of increasing his/her heart rate to the point of injuring himself/herself, or facing something far more fatal, an untimely death.

Consequences & Disadvantages Of Digital Technology

Many individuals find themselves consumed by digital technology-no matter the form, and/or outlet of their choice. Yet even as a wide range of technology poses as beneficial, it can be just as dangerous if one is not careful with the way in which he/she uses it, and how much he/she subjects himself/herself to. Oftentimes, many will use the internet to their advantage whether it be for educational purposes, to access important news-both worldly and local-and/or to engage in work related communication/research. Consequently, disadvantages pose a threat all the same coming in the form of carelessness and anonymity.

For, many use the internet selfishly, with little care as to how their actions may affect others. The prime reason for such revolves around the simple fact that the internet allows individuals the ability to create several accounts. As a result, some will register and create multiple fake accounts and act recklessly because there is little possibility for their real identity to be disclosed. In turn, many find it a whole lot easier to speak openly to and about others-no matter whether it be genuine or insulting-when they are behind an anonymous account.

However, anonymity isn’t possible through just the internet, but through other forms of digital technology as well, such as television. This can be seen through the MTV show titled, Catfish which “follows the journey of couples who have formed an online relationship but have never met in person”. It is through such that we see the extent to which people will go in order to keep themselves anonymous if they don’t feel comfortable revealing their true selves. But, in some episodes, the ones who do aren’t all who they’re cracked up to be. Some are in fact the exact opposite not only physically, but in that of their personality, as their motives are the complete opposite of what they had said they were. In turn, this shows the severe consequence-and degree-to which people will go to remain anonymous, and not face the consequence of their own actions.

In conclusion, anonymity can pose as a mask for those who intend to do harm to others-whether it be through verbally attacking them, and other such things. Or it can be a way out for those who are just shy, and/or who struggle with social anxiety, as it allows them to be able to interact/engage with others within the comfort of their own home. However, no matter the motive or situation such circumstances can be unhealthy for one’s mental health, as well as physical health, if they continue to hide behind a facade, rather than being true to themselves. For, nobody can be you, better than you can be you. Therefore, embrace it, in real life, as well as behind the screen.

Obsession With Digital Communication

digital communication obsessionWhen someone is obsessed with digital communication, they are constantly on a digital communication device sending, awaiting and receiving some kind of communication. This may be public communication, such as articles, blogs, press releases or social media sites, or personal communication, such as any form of private message. This phenomenon developed over recent years with the emergence of personal communication devices. Decades ago, everyone was adjusted to the fact that communication was not instant, but in modern times, it is very common to see a person behaving in a manic or addicted way toward their communication device, putting too much importance on the communication that comes through it.

There have been many studies into why people cannot seem to put down their phones, tablets, computers and other communications devices. Some of the more widely circulated and credible ideas about our modern digital communication obsession are:

  • “Staying connected.” Most people attribute their needy behavior toward their communication device to not wanting to fall out of sync with the world by missing out on breaking news stories, current events, social network gossip or personal communication.
  • “Fear of being alone.” A possible cause for an obsession with digital communication is not being able to be alone with one’s thoughts. In the past, this was primarily expressed through in person or phone communication, but modern digital communication devices can give the same feeling of communication despite being more removed.
  • “Demanding entertainment.” Modern generations are raised with fast commercials, invasive advertising, short sentences in reading assignments and general media bombardment. It is no wonder that boredom can set in more rapidly than it used to, turning people obsessively toward their personal communication devices.
  • “Fragmented and broken social abilities.” A very commonly cited psych opinion of digital communication obsession is that the value on in person communication and relationship abilities is dwindling and being replaced with the more secondhand version of communication and relationships that is digital communication.

Is Internet Addiction Real?

addicted to the internetPerhaps the most difficult aspect of internet addiction is that many people do not believe in its existence. The internet is a relatively new phenomenon in our lives. We have not had many years to study it from a psychological or sociological perspective. We are unsure of its long term ramifications toward society and humanity at large. However, one thing we have identified about it is that it has addictive qualities. Similar to a gambling addiction, an internet addiction is a behavior that gives immense pleasure to some people, so much so that certain people begin to use the internet compulsively and lose control of the amount of time they spend on it.

Sometimes the phrase “anything can be an addiction” is thrown around lightly. While a great number of things can have appeal to a great number of people, not everything is addictive. The internet came to be defined as addictive through a certain set of qualifications. The internet was found to have a particular effect on people that rivaled the effect of gambling or sex. Because the internet revolutionized the not only the way we access information, but the way we maintain relationships and keep ourselves entertained, it does not quite compare to anything else that has ever been available. Its novelty has become a cultural obsession, and for many people, an individual addiction.

For some people, time on the internet creates the pleasure chemical dopamine within their brains. Dopamine is universally the brain chemical that is released when we are experiencing something rewarding and pleasurable. Substances and activities that tend to create more dopamine for people than others tend to be the ones we identify as addictive. Not everyone can produce dopamine at the same rate. Some people have to work much harder to achieve dopamine. The healthy way of achieving it is to do something extraordinary, like start a business and work to make it succeed or climb a 14,000 foot mountain. The unhealthy way of achieving it is through addiction. Sadly, the internet with all its uses and wonders, has become an addiction modality.

Receive Treatment for Internet Addiction

internet addiction treatmentInternet addiction is identified as a case of a person using the internet so heavily that it negatively effects the other areas of their life. Because internet use is a recent phenomenon and because it is a behavior instead of a substance, internet addiction is frequently not taken seriously. This kind of reasoning is a fallacy. It is indeed a very serious situation when a person is foregoing social time, personal responsibilities, sleep and meals in order to spend time online.

The internet is a source of much information, fascination and controversy. It has changed the way we approach knowledge and information, and how we view the world. It has been very empowering for humanity to suddenly have an infinite amount of information at its fingertips. It is because of this abrupt and advantageous shift that the internet has become addictive to certain types of people. With so much information and so many opportunities to explore online, some people’s lives have become imbalanced because of the time they spend on the internet. School and work obligations are being neglected. Personal relationships are suffering. Physical health is declining. Not everyone has a handle on how much time they can allow themselves on the internet before it begins to negatively effect their lives.

Though internet addiction does not pose a serious, immediate threat to the addict, it does pose the risk of a gradual decline into an unhealthy state of existence. If internet addiction is allowed to thrive within a person, it will not be long before their reputation, relationships and health are damaged. Internet addiction requires critical thinking and cognitive analysis to overcome. If time on the internet is having negative effects on your life, take steps in order to end the addiction. Set a schedule for yourself to outline how much internet time you will allow yourself in a day. Read self help books on addiction. Fill your schedule with meaningful and necessary activities. If these things do not work and your life is still suffering, do not be ashamed to seek addiction treatment or counseling. Do whatever it takes to get your life under control!