Social Media And Interpersonal Communication

Social media has caused the world to contract in size and change the way in which persons communicate with each other on a daily basis. “The term “social media” refers to the wide range of Internet-based and mobile services that allow users to participate in online exchanges, contribute user created content, or join online communities.” (Dewing, 2010). When the first social media site Six Degree was created in 1997, social media was still considered a new phenomenon. Fast forward 20 years later and social media is the primary means of communication. In fact, the advent of social media has caused older persons in society to relearn technology as it is rapidly changing.
Thus, communication as we know it has changed drastically from interpersonal communication to more of an impersonal communication. “Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and non verbal messages: it is face- to- face communication.” …show more content…
Social media is seen as a vital tool for daily social interaction among persons. Thus, it is necessary for the elderly population to relearn how to use technology as it keeps changing. This is often necessary in order to keep one’s job as more companies seek to use social media to enhance delivery of services. Similarly, social media create opportunities for people to interact with each other in a way that is both helpful and essential in social development. Thus, advancement in technology and social media help persons to stay abreast with what is happening around the world as well as help them to communicate with family and friends at home and abroad. No longer does one have to wait for a colleague of friend to receive and respond to an email, as it is now possible to video chat with an individual as if the person is in the same room with