[FINAL] Immediate Expecations of Communications

With technology advancements sweeping through our society at a rapid pace, there is no wonder why society's expectations of mass media and culture have changed from “from the way we work to how we communicate to how we fight wars” (Al-Rodhan, N. 2015). Social media has been a growing trend amongst many. Since technology is now in reach of our fingertips, people are now starting to expect immediate communications. We have changed the culture of communication as we know it.  

“In the traditional world, newspapers, corporations, governments, or other types of leading organizations simply had to give out information, and people would consume it by reading or looking at it” (Harper, R. 2010). Now we hold that world in the palm of our hands, because of social media and how fast news can travel we are always in the know and most likely updated before those who don’t utilize these media platforms.

There are many benefits to utilizing digital tools like communication, engagement, time saving, mobility and the need for creativity. Instead of just sending a lengthy email, you can quickly sending a Skype, text, etc. to someone in your company. This can help with faster interaction and makes the communication a bit easier.

“Workers can use different business technologies to create innovative business ideas which can be used in business growth and expansion. Many companies create technological challenges and reward employees who come up with creative ideas using technology. Employees can use internet technology to innovate ways of promoting a business online (Ramey, K. 2013).” Motivating and encouraging employers to be creative is how you develop new items and brainstorm. It is an essential part of the business environment; encouraging your employers to be creative.

In addition, another advantage is mobility; which creates less limitations. “Employees can work from anywhere at anytime, this mobility makes employees stay in control of their jobs. Technological tools like virtual meeting applications save us time, we don’t have to be in meetings physically yet information and data will be shared in real-time” (2013). Of course with all this technology being right at our fingertips there is some disadvantages to all these digital tools like causing distractions and work relationships.

With technology all around us, how could we not be distracted by some part of it? The frequent use of social media can cause a huge affect and cause productivity to decline (2013). There are ways for companies to reinforce not using these applications by blocking specific sites company wide. Limiting the amount of daily digital distracts will help maintain a quality environment and increase productivity.

Since everything has become so automated, digital tools can become an issue for work relationships. The way technology has changed communication can highly affect a company. “Interpersonal communications are important in building workplace relationships because employees will get a chance to know each other in person, sometimes they can even share non-work related information, this type of interaction is killed by communication technology tools” (2013).

In order to start make improvements to these technology and cultural limitations, we need to continue the teachings of the fundamentals of communication. The fear is that the next generations will not even know that fundamentals of communication; face-to-face and eye-to-eye. We as a society needs to utilize these communication tools but to not forget how we got there.

In Sherry Turkle's TED Talk about being Connected, but alone? brings a lot of light to where we are today. She goes on to talk about we are constantly connected with friends and family yet we are alone in the physically world doing so. "...our devices and online personas are redefining human connection and communication" (Turkle, S. 2012). This is one of the biggest limitations and cultural shifts of communication.

Resources

Al-Rodhan, N. (2015, March 13). The Many Ethical Implications of Emerging Technologies. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-many-ethical-implications-of-emerging-technologies/

Harper, R. (2010). The Social Media Revolution: Exploring the Impact on Journalism and News Media Organizations. Retrieved December 15, 2015, from http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/202/the-social-media-revolution-exploring-the-impact-on-journalism-and-news-media-organizations

Ramey, K. (2013, February 25). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in the Workplace. Retrieved December 23, 2015, from http://www.useoftechnology.com/technology-workplace-2/

Turkle, S. (2012, February). Connected, but alone? Retrieved February 28, 2016, from https://www.ted.com/talks/sherry_turkle_alone_together?language=en

History in the Making

With technology it is inevitable that it is having some influence on mass media and culture. Technology has become a vast way that everyone is able to stay up to date on what's going on in the world. "Most people probably picture computers and cell phones when the subject of technology comes up, but technology is not merely a product of the modern era. However, technology is any tool created from scientific knowledge that serves a particular function" (Nowaczyk, J.).  Over time technology has had some influences on local and global cultures. Many tend to look past the influences as the changes seem normal. For example, in the agricultural industry the introduction to machinery to thresh, plant, harvest and replicate manual labor has changed the culture. The outcome means fewer jobs, "which led to the urbanization of society" (Nowaczyk, J.).

As technology becomes more powerful, "the amount of inequality to access that technology also increases" (Nowaczyk, J.). According to Instructor Jason Nowaczyk, there are two divisions that technology creates as it continues to advance. The first has been known as the 'digital divide,' a class-based division where increase income families have greater access to technology than those making a lower-income. As this digital divide continues to grow technology starts to create what's known as a 'knowledge gap.' (Nowaczyk, J.). The knowledge-gap "impacts global cultures is through media globalization. One of the biggest ways to influence people worldwide is through media technology" (Nowaczyk, J.).

One change being noticed is bringing positivity to technological advancements by globalization. Technology has enabled people across different countries to cross boundaries digitally. "The many hundreds of small ways that technology alters our individual and collective behavior on a daily basis add up to the cultural changes the technologists and historians point to" (Gilkey, C. 2015).

CHECK IT OUT: Impact on global cultures video

Resources

Gilkey, C. (2015, April 21). Technology and Culture Influence Each Other - Productive Flourishing. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.productiveflourishing.com/technology-and-culture-influence-each-other/

Nowaczyk, J. (n.d.). How Technology Affects Global & Local Cultures. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://study.com/academy/lesson/how-technology-affects-global-local-cultures.html

#Socialmediaevolutions #culturealchanges

With the introduction of emoticons hashtags, tweets, posts and acronyms there is no wonder why we are seeing cultural changes developing by technology. It seems as though everyday there is a new trending hashtag, tweets, acronym creating that is virally working its way through social media. We are learning new ways to connect and interact with one another. Before technology face-to-face communication and snail mail was how one interacted with one another. Today, you good send an emoji that can represent how you are feeling and then maybe create a personalized hashtag to trend your post. It really is a remarkable change to our culture and they way we communicate. "Technological evolution has a different motive force. It is self-evolution, and it is therefore driven by what we want as opposed to what is adaptive" (Wu, T. 2014).

Technology has touched our lives in many different ways. "For instance, media often report that intense use of the Internet increases the risk of isolation, alienation, and withdrawal from society, but available evidence shows that the Internet neither isolates people nor reduces their sociability; it actually increases sociability, civic engagement, and the intensity of family and friendship relationships, in all cultures" (Castells, M. 2014). Our online communities are the product of this digital revolution. Our cultural views and societies are wrapped about the technology we hold in the palm of our hands; tablets, smartphones, laptops, etc. "Today, social networking sites are the preferred platforms for all kinds of activities, both business and personal, and sociability has dramatically increased — but it is a different kind of sociability" (Castells, M. 2014).

This video showcases a timeline of the evolution of technology within the human race. It takes you through how one communicated before technology and how we have grown our online connections. This video is a great recap of this evolving era.

Resources

Castells, M. (2014, September 8). The Impact of the Internet on Society: A Global Perspective. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from https://www.technologyreview.com/s/530566/the-impact-of-the-internet-on-society-a-global-perspective/

Wu, T. (2014, February 06). As Technology Gets Better, Will Society Get Worse? - The New Yorker. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/as-technology-gets-better-will-society-get-worse

Fingertip Communication

As technology continues to grow so does society's expectations of mass media and culture. With technology changing the way we communicate, no wonder why social media has had an impact on what society expects from mass media. Users expect information and communication to happen instantly. For example, if a news outlet shares, tweets or posts a story late, consumers will have already moved onto the next media outlet. This is a huge missed opportunity for news outlets. Before technology was at our fingertips we had newspapers that were delivered to your door once a day and television news channels twice a day. That was really the extend of updated news stories. Now you can check every few minutes for a new update across multiple channels and platforms. This video below showcases how people are utilizing social media and their chosen platform. It provides a picture of how powerful technology has become.

"Despite the potential for connection with consumers social media seems to offer, consumers are there to interact with other people rather than brands" (Delzio, S. 2014). Technology has made interacting with your favorite brands and celebrities much easier. Companies are starting to engage more with their consumers and listen to their voice. Users don't want to send a post to human resources of their favorite brands. They want that human interaction or connect that they would get with other individuals on social media. It seems as though when companies embrace technology and start engaging with their consumers it benefits both parties. It truly is a great tool that companies should consider using if they are not; this is a way to quickly reach your audience quickly and effectively.

Resources
Delzio, S. (2014, December 30). New Social Media Research Shows What People Expect From Brands : Social Media Examiner. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/social-media-research-shows-what-people-expect-from-brands/

How We Use Social Media, Illustrated | Mashable. (2014, June 25). Retrieved February 07, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxdL6xusyKM

Integrating Content

Social media has an abundance level of power and influences on businesses today. Social media has become the most used tool for interaction. What makes this a great tool is that it is free and isn't limited to members. "Facebook alone has an active membership of over on billion users. The massive population of social media, which is continuing to grow, proves that social media is not merely a phase that will be culturally outgrown" (Dolan, S. 2014). 

"Not only have social media changed the way we communicate, but these applications present great opportunities for businesses in the areas of public relations, internal and external communications, recruiting, organizational learning and collaboration, and more" (Managing and Leveraging Workplace Use of Social Media. 2012). Social media presents opportunities for businesses of free marketing and advertising. Businesses can also"interact and engage directly with their customers, forming honest and sincere conversations, in an informal environment" (Dolan, S. (2014). Social media is a valuable asset that businesses need to take advantage of. It seems as though this truly is the only way to interact with consumers, advertise and allow consumers to voice their opinions. 

"65% of small or local businesses stated that social media helped them keep connected with their customers. 50% of Facebook users under 35 were reported to follow online recommendations for products or businesses made by friends. 51% of Facebook users and 64% of Twitter users are more likely to purchase products and make use of services from business they follow on the platforms" (Dolan, S. 2014).

Social media marketing can be challenging upon first use. There are many marketing tips and tools to help your process flow smoothly. One important tip to remember when using social media for businesses is to make sure your contents gets integrated across all your platforms. It is essential that you reach all of your audiences with the same intended message. "...you should make sure your content is integrated with your goals, so you can note where you are converting sales and where you may need to try a different approach" (Behar, A. 2016).

Check it out! – Inc. Social Media Toolkit


Resources

Behar, A. (2016, January 16). Social Media Marketing: 5 Inspired 2016 Strategies Your Business Needs to Try. Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.business2community.com/social-media/social-media-marketing-5-inspired-2016-strategies-business-needs-try-01427072#C7e9GYXrCmRty7Os.97

Dolan, S. (2014, January 31). Social Media: The Most Influential Tool for Business Communication. Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.benchmarkemail.com/blogs/detail/social-media-the-most-influential-tool-for-business-communication

Managing and Leveraging Workplace Use of Social Media. (2012, December 05). Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.shrm.org/templatestools/toolkits/pages/managingsocialmedia.aspx

Leaving your Characteristics Behind

One technology influence that many businesses seem to disregard is the digital footprint businesses leaves behind.  The internet looking back at u; social sharing, messaging and email. We are leaving characteristics about us behind. It may not seem like its important, however, it is the footprint that "paints a picture of who you are" (Internet Society). This is what a company leaves behind to communicate with potential employees, business opportunities, etc. 

"One in ten internet users have a job that requires them to self-promote or market their name online" (Madden, M., Fox, S., Smith, A., & Vitak, J. 2007)

For example, if a company makes a mistake in posting a tweet. As soon as the tweet has hit the web, that is what is left behind, and ultimately what represents your company. This can go for personal use too. If an employee, is posting a photo from a weekend party and their account is link to working for a particular company. Your photo can have an impact on your company.

"While most Americans do not actively manage their online presence, there is a segment of internet users who have jobs that require them to market their name on the internet or make information about themselves available online. As one might expect, those motivated by work-related expectations are much more likely to use a search engine to track their digital footprints" (Madden, M., Fox, S., Smith, A., & Vitak, J. 2007).

Businesses need to be aware about how the online world represents their company as a whole. It may not seem like a technology tool for business, however, it presents the opportunity for businesses to manage how their business communications to the outside world about who they are and their values. 

What is the digital footprint you want to leave?  

Resources

Internet Society. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.internetsociety.org/your-digital-footprint-matters

Madden, M., Fox, S., Smith, A., & Vitak, J. (2007, December 16). Digital Footprints. Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2007/12/16/digital-footprints/

America Runs on Mobile

As we know technology has many changes to the way we communicate on a daily basis. It is no wonder it has made its way into the work environments across the globe. We began solely relying on email communications and eventually some instant messaging but, in today's society we have developed something more effective and efficient. Employees are now able to work remotely around the world and still be up to date on all on-site activities. Businesses are using innovative communication tools to exchange information.

“The use of virtual communication tools like ”SKYPE ‘is on the rise amongst employees and business managers. Good communication at the workplace builds strong relationships among employees and it also facilitates the flow of information which might be needed in the decision making process” (Ramey, K. 2013)

With mobility on the rise, the advancements of technology and “video conferencing tools have simplified the way we hold meetings at work, sometimes you don’t have to travel and this saves you both time and money” (Ramey, K. 2013). It has allowed individuals to communicate business relationships without even being face to face. Many years ago, it would unheard of to communicate with people without meeting them in person. Technology has left an impression on businesses, enabling work to be more efficient and simplified.

The provided infographic is a great visual on evolution of how communication was and how it has transformed us. It provides details on how ideas are created and then how they are able to be communicated to others through technology. It is incredible to see how technology has transformed over the years into this innovative tool.

Resources

The Evolution of Communication in Business. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2016, from http://www.netop.com/live-guide/resources/evolution-of-communication-in-business.htm

Ramey, K. (2013, March 15). New Technology at Workplace – Its Impact on Your Office Life. Retrieved January 16, 2016, from http://www.useoftechnology.com/technology-workplace-3/