Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Communication

Advancements in technology have improved human life in enormous ways, not forgetting virtual communication. This is the kind of communication where people all over the world interact or send messages without meeting physically. Remember, communication is an important aspect of life. Without it, people cannot understand each other nor work towards common good. That is why there is communication in homes, workplaces, governments and even learning institutions.

Today, a variety of apps and services are enabling virtual communication. There are instant messaging, voice calls, video calls, video conferencing and even social media. Such services have not only improved personal life but also done a good job at workplaces. More and more organizations are embracing any latest technology as long as it boosts their communication systems and productivity in the end. Now, virtual communication has its positive and negative side.

Advantages of Virtual Communication

There are many advantages of virtual communication. Here are some of the things to like about this type of communication:

a) Convenience: People or employees can interact with each other from wherever they are. They do not have to meet in person. This reduces frustration, especially when they are busy or caught up in traffic.

b) Time Saving: There is no need for a physical meeting to communicate. Different virtual communication software allows you to pass across whatever information you have from wherever you are. This eventually saves time.

c) Saves Money /Cut Costs: Another advantage of virtual communication is that you are able to reduce transport expenses. Companies cut on operational costs of employees, thus saving more money to be used on other functions.

d) It Is Fast: Virtual communication takes no time to connect with the other person. It is only a click away and you get to convey what you have in mind.

e) Enables Organizations Harness Talent from Anywhere: If people do not have to meet physically, then it means they can work from homes remotely in any continent. This way, an organization is able to amass the best people for the job increasing productivity.

f) Promotes Flexibility: This is essential for busy people who are struggling with work and life balance, for example working mums. Virtual communication helps them work from wherever they are, communicate fast and submit projects on time.

g) Increases Productivity: When time is saved, convenience is present, best talent is harnessed and flexibility is attained, there is definitely an increase in productivity. Employees become more effective and efficient as well.

h) Easily Contacting Colleagues: Employees are able to consult each other very easily and fast. There is no need to move from your desk to the other. This saves time too. That is one of the advantages of virtual communication which you can enjoy when connecting your colleagues.

i) Reduce Need for More Office Space: Virtual communication eliminates the need to create space for employees who can work from home or wherever they are.

j) Reduce Boredom: Working from the same place day in day out is It actually contributes to inefficiency among employees. If you can work on a project from anywhere else apart from the office, the change of environment is good for your body and mind. You will not be that bored.

k) Easily Keeping a Record: The last advantage of virtual communication is that you only need to click a button and you get to record video calls and audio calls. Your phone keeps a record of instant messages. This is unlike face to face communication where wrongful word of mouth can be spread easily.

Disadvantages of Virtual Communication

Everything in the world has its bad side. You need to know the disadvantages of virtual communication. This will help you strategize on how best to communicate virtually.

a) Technical Problems: Virtual communication relies on software, machines and the Internet, which can malfunction at any time. This affects ongoing and scheduled virtual communication endeavors.

b) Absence of Non-verbal Communication: Some virtual communication techniques, like voice calls do not accommodate faces of people. Therefore, it is easy to mistake a sarcastic comment for a genuine one, unless you are very keen. This causes miscommunication.

c) Some Functions Require Face-to-face Communication: Interacting virtually does not solve all communication needs, for instance during crisis. That is why face-to-face conversations will never get outdated.

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