'Computers and mobile phones have made us all worse at talking to one another, not better!' What do you think?
by 09A13 NG YI YING
1. Deteriorating standards of English with more and more common use of short forms in text messages and emails
1.1. somewhat rather presumptious. Cannot really blame it on emails or text messages as it is really all up to the individual whether or not to use short forms or not.
1.2. Common usage of short forms in text message definitely deteriorates English standards. People decide to use short forms instead of spelling the word out because it is convenient. Without spelling the word out, people may start to forget how to spell certain words and this cycle of using short forms eventually becomes an unhealthy habit. Individuals must make an effort in using good english so that we can be understood by people.
2. We no longer see the need to talk to one another face to face because of the convenience of these devices.
2.1. New node
2.2. New node
3. However, instant messaging and text messages have actually increased the frequency with which people communicate with each other.
4. We may not vary the use of volume, tone and emotions when talking with each other as we do not use them in our communication through computers and mobile phones.
4.1. this lack of use of intonation, volume and expression of emotions is due to the inability to read the other party's body language or facial expression which is crucial in determining the tone and volume of the speaker.
4.1.1. hence people are made 'worse' in the art of communication as important aspects of communication are not addressed.
4.2. Videocall or webcam does not allow the speaker to express his emotions or intentions fully. Facial expression can be viewed through the screen but a barrier still exists. The tone and volume of the speaker is still transmitted across through the microchips and speakers in the phone; you are essentially looking at sombody through a screen no bigger than you palm. Speaking to somebody face to face is as real as it gets. Technology has tried to reproduce and revolutionize the way we communicate but nothing can replace looking and listening to a person speak in front of you.
4.3. however, this is not true in all instances. perhaps in the case of computers yes, but technology has it that mobile phones are now widely equipped with functions such as videocall which allows the caller to view the other party, hence, addressing aspects of facial expression, tone and volume.
5. People can get very addicted to their smartphones, like the Apple iPhone and Blackberry. These gadgets are a great source of entertainment with their multifarious applications and games, causing users to always divert their attention from their daily activities to their phones and computers. As such, people can constantly check their Facebook and email accounts on the move, as though they are afraid to miss out on latest happenings, even when they are out for dinner or on a vacation with family and friends. Thus reducing the times we spend communicating properly with one another.
5.1. People can get very addicted to their smartphones, like the Apple iPhone and Blackberry. These gadgets are a great source of entertainment with their multifarious applications and games, causing users to always divert their attention from their daily activities to their phones and computers. As such, people can constantly check their Facebook and email accounts on the move, as though they are afraid to miss out on latest happenings, even when they are out for dinner or on a vacation with family and friends. Thus reducing the times we spend communicating properly with one another.
