Technology is everywhere. Our lives are strongly affected by ongoing technological developments. Think of the impact of smartphones, the internet and social media on our daily life, work, and society. Developments such as robotization, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and nanotechnology are increasingly changing the world we live and work in. This specialization focuses on the interaction between technology and communication within society. This interaction is twofold: Technology influences the way we communicate, and at the same time communication is crucial for the development, acceptance and use of new technologies.
Using technology in communication has become a necessity, it’s now part of our lives. People communicate through emails, faxes, Mobile phones, texting services, video conferences, video chat rooms and social media channels. As time goes on, more emerging technologies will change the way we communicate and it will be up to us to embrace them or not. Let’s look at the impact or use of technology in communication both to individuals and businesses. Because technology has completely changed how these two parties are communicating?
The impact of technology in communication to a business: Today, every business uses technology in its own way to reach the media and targeted consumers. Also, businesses have embraced technology by easing communication within companies and among investors and suppliers. Below are a few uses of technology in communication to a business.
EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON COMMUNICATION
We are rapidly moving toward a digital society. Computers, the internet and smartphones play a central role in our lives. Instant messaging and social media have redefined our ways of communicating and our relationships with others. The media landscape is constantly changing. At the societal level, there are growing concerns about new forms of inequality, disintegration, polarization, and privacy threats. Developments such as artificial intelligence, robotization, smart products, and the internet of things replace some of the communication traditionally done by humans. And technology itself becomes a communication means. Think of persuasive technology, such as apps and serious games. Augmented reality, virtual reality and 3D printing gradually blur the boundaries between the offline and the online world. In this specialization, we analyse how technology affects the very nature of communication.
COMMUNICATION SUPPORTING TECHNOLOGY
Not all technologies that are developed will be successful. Much depends on communication. It is crucial that designers of technology understand users and their use situations. Users seldom adopt a technology as is; they normally appropriate it to make it compatible with their wishes and experiences. Usability and user experience (UX) play an important role in the success of technologies. Communication professionals may serve as user advocates in technological design processes or take the responsibility for various types of user support. They may also focus on other stakeholders in technological design processes, for instance by popularizing advanced technologies, persuading investors or other critical stakeholders, or facilitating public debate about the desirability of new technologies. In this specialization, we analyse the role of communication as a success factor for technologies.
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