Technology is seen as a mediated social force, whose particular impact is shaped by human actions. It focuses on how the impact of particular technology is influenced by the social world. Technology is viewed as an independent social force which influences and shapes society. Communication is a central aspect of almost every facet of our everyday lives, technology that affects our communication is likely to have a particularly meaningful and measurable effect.
Advantages to electronic communications include how it facilitates the fast, convenient flow of information among the users at various locations. The postal service is too slow, phones are inconvenient and more expensive and permits constant communication any time on any day. It eliminates phone tag, eliminates phone distractions, reduces cost and paper waste. It can dramatically expand communication capabilities, is easy to modify, no time restraints, can be accessed via any number of tools, and preserves an entire discussion without having to rely on one’s memory.
These advantages can lead to many new opportunities online communities, blogs, twitter, virtual meetings, ect. Video conferencing has been the newest thing, especially since COVID-19 hit. Disadvantages to video conferencing/ meetings is that there is a need for fast data connections and all users must have compatible software, and the images may be jerky, and confidentiality could be compromised.
On the other hand there are many advantages to video conferences. On some systems data such as CAD, it can be transferred. Video conferencing/ meetings removes the need to travel to the location. It ensures education and training to be carried out more effectively, and expertise can be shared across the company more quickly. Problems can be solved more effectively with relevant experts meeting immediately to discuss problems.
Gruman, J.A.,Schneider, F.W., & Coutts, L.A. (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.