Essay

What is new communication technology and how does it allow today’s society to communicate on different levels than society of the past.

New forms of communication have been developing in order to keep up with the fast paced world of today. These new forms of communication technology are growing rapidly and through this rapid growth, more people are finding ways to communicate and spread there messages in a quicker, more convenient user friendly way. New Communication Technology allows people of today to communicate on different levels that people of the past. The forms of communication prove to be faster, efficient and more reliable then those of the past. New forms of communication technology include Instant Messaging, the use of chat rooms and IRC (Internet Relay Chat) cellular phone texting, and the ever popular Webblogging or blogging. This essay will discuss each of these new forms of communication technologies in detail, and then provide reasoning as to how these new forms allow users to communicate on a different level as people of the past.
In order to understand what Communication Technology is, the terms communication and technology need to be defined. Communication can be defined as any process that transfers, transmits, or makes information known to other people. A good way to describe the meaning of Communication is that “The speaker produces a message that is heard by the listener” (Aristotle cited 350BC). This form of definition suggests that communication is only ever face to face where each communicator can hear what the other is saying. What make communication different today is that even though communication is wide spread it can be instant even if the two messengers are in two different countries.
In conjunction with a more complex form of communication a modern definition of communication has been formed. This definition is “the speaker produces an effect on the transmitter which sends a message (which is degraded by the noise of the transmission process) that is intercepted by the receiver which converts it into an effect that is heard by the listener” (Shannon & Weaver).This definition is referred to as the Shannon and Weaver model of communication. (See figure one). This model was formed with the idea that examples of typical everyday forms of communication are usually less immediate methods of communication than face-to-face interaction as Aristotle suggests. These forms of communication may include, using the radio, newspapers internet, mobile phones or the telephone. In these cases, technology is introduced. “When, for instance, the telephone is used, you speak, the phone turns the sound waves into electrical impulses and those electrical impulses are turned back into sound waves by the phone at the other end of the line” (Underwood 2003). This gives a clear example of how new communication technologies work.
Technology can be defined as a broad term of dealing with the use and knowledge of humanities’ tools and crafts. Technology can also be defined in terms of communication as the scientific study of mechanical arts and their application to the world. Marshall Mcluhan , a university professor and Chairman of Ford Foundation Seminar on Culture and Communication (Gordon) states that “technologies are extensions of human body ... a tool is an extension of the hand; a wheel is an extension of the leg; and a book is an extension of the eye” and also argues that "the medium is the message" By these examples, Mcluhan portrays the meaning “that in so far as the communication is an extension of the mind, the medium in which that communication occurs is, itself, the message.” (Muir 2006) Technology differs from analog to digital. Analog technology works by representing various forces (through dials) and the relatively imprecise modulation of those forces, while digital technology relies on storing bits of binary information (whether the current of electricity or light in on or off) and allows for the precise modification of forces (Muir). Either one is better than the other because while one might be more efficient in one circumstance, the other might work better in another. Although in ascendance of digital technology, people are becoming able to communicate exactly what they mean.
When looking at communication technologies as a whole, some aspects to consider may include, CD-ROMS, multimedia, virtual agents and virtual reality, and interactive TV. These forms of communication technologies have proved to be effective ways of delivering and receiving information and messages. In the small time of 10 years, there are new forms of communication technologies to consider. In terms of new Information technologies computer technology provides the means to draw together telephone, radio, television and print so that they can be accessed from the one point. Other forms of new communication technologies may include, The internet, SMS – text messaging, broadband, wireless, and webblogging which is also known as blogging.

Communication Technology has always allowed people to communicate efficiently. Yet some forms are proving to be more effective than others. Being apart of the world of cyberspace has a lot to do with this. Cyberspace can be described as a synonym for the Internet, and later the World Wide Web, yet the term cyberspace refers more to the idea that a whole other world exist in an online experience. “Online studies of online life are important, of course, but the more difficult, time-consuming ethnographies they show how everyday life is woven together with online life are worth more sociologically and in the long term” (Armitage and Roberts pg 33.) People lives are woven in an offline, online form, where communication can occur in both. It is in the offline form of life where it seems the old forms of communication technologies such as CD-ROMS, multimedia, virtual agents and virtual reality, and interactive TV, is most commonly used.

It is in the online life of cyberspace where communication technologies are growing more and more each day. “Cyberspace is all about the experience of multiple, mediated interactions, which, remember, is still the preserve of a small minority of the world’s population.” Powerful forces contribute to its shaping and rather familiar social divisions are frequently reinforced through it.” (Armitage and Roberts pg 33) People are becoming engrossed in the Internet because it is proving to be such a convenient way to communicate with the fellow Cyberspace community. It is because of this that people are beginning to more or less live there lives on the internet, using web messengers, and blogs to communicate and convey information. To see the rapid growth of internet usage in Australia see figure two. Rapid Growth in Mobile Phone technology also allows people to communicate in a virtual world. According to 2002 figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 72 per cent of Australian households have access to a mobile phone. This is a huge rise from the 44% of Australians who had access to mobile phones in 1998. In Queensland alone, figures from October 2003 showed 7 out of 10 people, aged 18 years and over had use of a mobile phone (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2004). These figures give a clear explanation as to just how many people are using mobile telephone technology to communicate.

Three main rapidly growing forms of new communication technologies include Web Messaging and the use of chat rooms or IRC over the internet, and sms texting using mobile phones. IRC is a real time chat system that was ever popular in the early 1990’s when the internet was booming. IRC, or Instant relay chat used in Chat rooms over the internet is slowing being phased out by the use of Instant Messengers such as AOL and MSN. IRC was one of the first applications that allowed people to communicate with each other in real time, kind of like instant emailing. This form of communication is known as a Synchronous medium of communication and is mainly for chatting and transferring of small files (Muir). Using chat rooms and IRC, users are able to see that communicating online allows them to stretch beyond there own physical boundaries of communication. “In IRC you are an abstract entity interacting with other abstract entities” (Muir 2006). With IRC users can create a virtual life, building a house, find a partner, and "Find out if you'd rather be gay ... or single ... or straight. Why hesitate when you can simulate?" (Winterson) A more secure way to communicate with others online would be Instant Messaging. The step up from IRC.

Instant Messaging or and IM can be defined as the form of real time communication between two or more people based on typed text. The text is conveyed via computers connected over a network such as the Internet. In order for Instant Messenging to go ahead a the use of a client program, such as MSN or AOL, is needed. IM differs from email because the while they conversations are sent one at a time to each recipient, the conversation is had in real time. Client Programs such as MSN and AOL offer a presence information feature that allows the user to see who on there added list is online and offline. Through instant messenging, users are also able to share files. This is called peer-to-peer (p2p) file sharing, and are also able to engage in using VoIP, (Voice over internet protocol).

Text Messaging, or SMS (short message service) is a service available on almost every digital mobile phone of today, and is also available on Pocket PC,s and some desktop comuters. The service permits the sending of short messages between mobile phones, other handheld devices and even landline telephones.Text messages are often used to interact with automated systems, such as ordering products and services for mobile phones, or participating in contests, and most commonly, chatting and soialising. There are also many services available on the Internet that allow users to send text messages free of charge

With the growth of text messaging, internet chat rooms and Instant messengers, a new text language has evolved. This language uses abbreviations of words, incorporating numbers into words such as L8, to represent the word late. (See figure three). Small illustrations known as smilies, and interactive emoticons are also incorporated into this new communication language. (See figure four). A smiley is often used in text communications to convey an emotion with a message. Along with text, a smiley can show how a person is feeling. An emoticon is usually associated with instant messaging where the emoticon can interactive, meaning they move and interact with the recipient. The immediacy and compactness of these languages are just two more ways new communication technologies are expanded and tailoring peoples lives. Another way society chooses to communicate is through Webblogging.

Web blogging allows users to create a website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order. Web Blogs also allow users to post up pictures, and videos. Blogging, the slang term for web blogging is more so like a personal homepage. Like Instant Messenging, to create a blog, a user needs a client programs such as MySpace, or Blogspot. As anyone connected to the internet can create there own blog, commentary and news blogs can be unreliable sources unless the blogs are secure. Blogs a most commonly used though for more personal online diaries. Typical blogs contain text, images, links to other blogs and web pages and other media related to the topic or theme of the blog. Blogs have a function where other users are able to leave comments in an interactive format on a post of a blogger. There are currently tens of millions of blogs on the internet both personal and news and media related.
New forms of communication technologies have typically boosted communication and have allowed easy collaboration with users. People are not forced to reply immediately to incoming messages from mobile phones, or online. People can set communication at their own pace, being as fast or slow as they like. New Communication Technologies prove to be more efficient and some what trendy way to communicate allowing users to also personalise the ways they would like to communicate to suit there mood, personality etc. Communication via new communication technologoes can be less intrusive than communication via phone or old communication technologies. This is partly a reason why these new communication technologies are becoming more and more important in corporate and social environments. As these technologies grow, the world of communication will become faster and more convienient, yet users need not forgot the simple ways of communication aswell. This will insure a healthy balance of offline, and online communication and life.


Appendix


Figure One: The Shannon & Weaver Model


Source: http://www.cultsock.ndirect.co.uk/MUHome/cshtml/introductory/sw.html



Figure Two:
ADULTS ACCESSING THE INTERNET (a)
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
%
%
%
%
%
Age group (years)
18–24
58
72
75
80
84
25–34
46
56
62
71
78
35–44
36
46
52
64
69
45–54
27
36
47
55
58
55–64
13
22
26
35
42
65 and over
2
6
9
na
13

Sex
Male
35
45
50
57
61
Female
28
37
43
51
56

Source: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/655AD888EB31A437CA25719600185CD3?opendocument

Figure Three: Abbreviated Meanings

Abbreviation
Meaning
l33t
leet “elite”
L8R
Later
LD
Later, dude / Long distance
LERK
leaving easy reach of keyboard
LMAO
Laughing my a** off
LOL
Laughing out loud
LTM
Laugh to myself
LTNS
Long time no see
LYLAS
Love you like a sis
M8
Mate

Source: http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp

Figure Four: Smilies and Emoticons

Smiley
Meaning
:)
Standard smiley
:-)
With nose
:-E
Buck-tooth
>-)
Evil grin
:-#
With braces
:'-)
Happy Crying
{:-)
Toupee smiley
;)
Winking smiley
Source: http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp





















BIBLIOGRAPHY


Online Resources:

Author Unknown. Text Messaging Abbreviations [Online] Available http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp 5/12/06

Gordon, T. Marshall Mcluhan [Online] Available http://www.marshallmcluhan.com/gordon.html 5/12/06

Underwood, M. The Shannon-Weaver Model [Online] Available http://www.cultsock.ndirect.co.uk/MUHome/cshtml/introductory/sw.html 6/12/06.

Shaw, R. Converging worlds of IP Telephony, VoIP, Broadband [Online] Available
http://blogs.zdnet.com/ip-telephony/?p=660 6/12/06.

http://www.abs.gov.au


Written Resources:

Armitage, J. and Roberts, J. 2002 Living With Cyberspace Continuum, New York

Bakardjieva, M. 2005 Internet Society Sage Publications, London.