The rise of social media has changed communication processes, facilitating increased access to information by more people across various demographics. Access to information has not only been democratized, but access has been expanded to a 24/7 cycle. In an information-driven society, conditions that previously affected how news and other data are shared, such as geographic distance and time-zones, are no longer considered restrictions because social platforms have made it possible to share seamlessly. Facebook continues to be a dominant platform in which personal and business information is shared, but Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram have become major players as well in social media accessibility.
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Urgency and Need to Share
In the days of snail mail, one had to abide by the delivery schedules of postal services to receive updates from family and friends. Landlines made it easier to connect with people who were not within driving distance. These restrictions have been erased such that anyone with an social media account has the ability to share minute details of their day as events happen. People share photos of their meals or their clothes with either a select circle of followers for private accounts or with all interested users for social media accounts that are public. Sharing is convenient, seamless and spontaneous in many cases so that personal and professional social media accounts have become treasure troves of information. When one person gains fame or notoriety, it is easy for anyone to research their background, political beliefs and other personal information.
Easier Background Checks and Fact-checking
It has become easier to fact-check information through their social media accounts. Consumers have found social media channels to be an invaluable tool in comparison shopping. Retailers have supported this trend by ensuring that they maintain up-to-date and interactive websites with social media engagement used as a way to promote special events while encouraging click-throughs to their own sites. With digital access to information, it is assumed that consumers can make well-informed decisions even before a face-to-face interaction. Communication between parties who have equal access to information makes it easier to complete transactions and reach equitable solutions for all involved.
Loss of Social Skills
Social media has been blamed for the decline in traditional interactions that involve actual interaction in a physical space. Even within families and close social circles, social platforms have replaced even the most casual exchanges. Families are summoned to the dinner table via text messages, thank you notes are posted on Twitter, and decision-making discussions are conducted on Snapchat. Real-life communication skills may have suffered because social media users have developed the habits of quick, coded exchanges that do not conform with grammar and spelling rules. Social media usage facilitated the growth of a form of new language characterized by abbreviations, emojis, and other graphic representations.
Changes in Verbal and Writing Styles
According to Forbes, social media usage has made it imperative for any individual or group to keep up with the changing trends in communications to remain engaged with one’s target audience whether that audience consists of family, social or professional circles. These changes may involve learning the clipped and concise writing style, the jargon, and the infographic presentation of information for audiences with short attention spans.
Social media channels will continue to change the ways that people exchange and access information even as new applications and technologies are introduced. In some ways, social media growth has proven advantageous to consumers, creating efficiencies and equitable access to crucial information, but this has come at the price of developing some of the key social skills in verbal and written communications.