Face-to-Face Communication

It’s no secret that Generation Y is the most tech-savvy to date, but in light of all the technological ways in with we communicate nowadays, I cannot help but wonder…

When was the last time I actually went to office hours instead of relying on email? Would I prefer a text message from a friend or actually hearing their voice tone via phone call? How often do I use face-to-face communication compared to Facebook posts and Tweets? When was the last time I received a hand written note? Do we even know how to read body language anymore?!

Obviously, the digital age had done incredible things for our society and I certainly cannot complain. But has the value of face-to-face communication been overlooked?

In this video, a Communication Studies professor says that when the stakes are higher or the topic is clearly important, people will rely on true face-to-face communication rather than email or other digital options.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZaevv1Frv4

Face-to-face communication adds quality, a personal touch. Making the effort to see the person we are speaking to implies that we care enough about them to make an effort and allows us to communicate more effectively. As communication becomes more and more instantaneous, the quick-fix, most convenient ways of communicating are certainly beneficial, but maybe a little more time, effort, and personalization will truly breed the most effective, meaningful messages.