COM-127 7-1 Discussion: Effects of Social Media on Communication Skills

Introduction to COM-127 6-1 Activity

In Module Seven of our discussion on the “Effects of Social Media on Communication Skills,” we will explore how the rise of digital communication platforms has reshaped how we connect and converse in personal and professional contexts. While social media is a revolutionary tool for instant connectivity, it presents a complex array of impacts on traditional communication skills and social interactions. 

This how-to COM-127 guide aims to provide students with structured guidelines on how to critically assess these effects, contribute meaningfully to discussions, and effectively engage with peers’ experiences and viewpoints.

For your initial posting, answer the questions below.  Do you think social media and online communication have positively and negatively impacted social skills and communication in our society, domestically and globally? Why or why not?

  Impact of Social Media on Communication Skills 

For this initial posting, follow the Owlisdom below guidelines and answer each question step by step.

• Reflect on how social media has facilitated new forms of connectivity and networking.
• Consider the ease of reaching global audiences and the opportunities for real-time communication.
• Evaluating the Negative Impacts: Discuss potential drawbacks, such as the decline in face-to-face interactions and the superficiality of connections. 
• Use specific examples from personal experiences or credible sources to support your points.

Example

Social media has undeniably transformed how we communicate domestically and globally, significantly impacting our social skills. On the positive side, platforms like Twitter and Facebook have democratized information dissemination, enabling real-time communication across geographical barriers and fostering global connections that were previously inconceivable.

What specific challenges and barriers in communication, if any, do you think social media reinforces in our society and globally?

 Challenges and Barriers Reinforced by Social Media 

• Identify common misunderstandings and the spread of misinformation through social media. 
• Reflect on how context is often lost in text-based communication.
• Consider language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the digital divide that might hinder effective global communication.

Example

However, the reliance on online communication has arguably degraded traditional interpersonal communication skills (Kalkhoff et al., 2020). The concise, often superficial nature of social media exchanges can detract from the depth and authenticity of face-to-face interactions.

Have you relied predominantly on online communication (e.g., texting, instant messaging) in your personal and professional circles instead of in-person meetings or phone conversations? Has anything been lost or gained from this transition?

 Personal and Professional Communication Preferences

• Analyze your communication preferences and those observed in your environment. 
• Discuss what has been lost or gained, such as convenience versus depth of conversation.
• Evaluate the quality of communication and relationships due to these shifts.
• Include personal anecdotes or observations.

Example

Moreover, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my communication preferences towards texting and instant messaging, often at the expense of direct conversations. This shift has sometimes led to misunderstandings due to the lack of non-verbal cues vital in conveying full messages.

Are we losing the art of communication? Is the language of textease and tweeting adversely affecting students’ ability to write effectively and efficiently in their academic coursework and beyond in their careers?

 The Evolution of Language Skills in the Digital Age 

• Discuss how the informal language of social media (textease, emojis) influences formal writing and communication skills needed in academic and professional settings.

Example

In essence, while social media has enhanced the way we connect globally, it has also introduced new challenges that could undermine the richness of traditional communication methods.

What is your reaction to your peers’ viewpoints about the impact of social media and online communication in our society? Do you agree or disagree, and why? Have you had experiences similar to your peers’ in using social media for personal and professional communication? Has anyone (e.g., parent/grandparent, professor, employer, friend, or significant other) ever complained to you or given you feedback about the lack of quality in such communications?

Peer Responses

I know it is essential to engage with and answer peers’ queries. But sometimes, we must learn to address questions more clearly and professionally. Some discussion posts, like the COM-127 7-1 Discussion: Effects of Social Media on Communication Skills, may ask for peers’ responses. By following the guidelines below, you can quickly answer any question.

• Start by expressing your initial reaction to your peer’s post. Mention specifically what you found insightful or intriguing.
• Provide a rationale for your stance using supporting evidence from credible sources or relevant personal experiences.
• Consider the depth and validity of their examples and how they relate to the broader impacts of social media.
• Share any personal experiences that relate to the points discussed by your peers. This could include how you use social media in your personal and professional life.
• Explain how these experiences support or contradict your peer’s viewpoints.
• Discuss any feedback you’ve received from others (like family, professors, or colleagues) about using social media for communication.
• Include details on whether this feedback highlighted any lack of quality in your communications and how it influenced your perspective on digital communication norms.
• Pose questions encouraging your peers to expand on their thoughts or consider other aspects of the topic. 

Response 01

I appreciate your balanced view on the impact of social media on communication skills. While social media has facilitated unprecedented global connectivity, it poses significant challenges in maintaining the depth of interpersonal communications (Kalkhoff et al., 2020). Your point about the potential decline in emotional intelligence and empathy resonates with me, as I’ve observed similar trends within my circle. I’ve also received similar feedback from professors who note a decline in the quality of written assignments. They emphasize the need to maintain formal language standards in academic work to prepare us for professional environments. We must consciously practice and uphold these standards in our written communications to enhance our academic performance and ensure that our professional communication is perceived as competent and experienced.

Response 02

According to the instructions of COM 127 7-1 Discussion, we are supposed to write two peer responses. I have addressed the given instructions in one response. Following these instructions, you can quickly write your peer responses to 7-1 Discussions without a hassle.

Closing

In COM-127 7-1 Discussion: Effects of Social Media on Communication Skills, we have thoroughly explored the profound impact of social media on our communication skills, navigating through its challenges and opportunities. As you engage in this discussion, remember to critically analyze and reflect on how these digital platforms shape our daily interactions and the broader societal norms. Understanding these dynamics is essential for academic purposes and better personal and professional communication in a digitally-dominated world. We hope you nail this COM-127 7-1 Discussion: Effects of Social Media on Communication Skills. Good luck!

Reference

Kalkhoff, W., Dippong, J., Gibson, A., & Gregory, S. W. (2020). Society in Peril? How Distance Media Communication Could Be Undermining Symbolic Interaction. In R. T. Serpe, R. Stryker, & B. Powell (Eds.), Identity and Symbolic Interaction (pp. 317–338). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41231-9_12