Compare and contrast between current and traditional communication methods

SAMPLE ESSAY

Communication has always been an essential element of individuals’ social structures. Prior to the invention of contemporary technologies comprising computers, individuals utilized conventional communication methods such as telephones and letters. Currently, there is a diverse range of communication equipment that has improvised communication channels. While the traditional and contemporary communication channels are similar in their wide-ranging function, they vary regarding the types of equipment and speed.

The mode of communication is determined as one of the similarities between modern and former methods of communication. Initially, oral and written communication modes, such as telephones and letters, were extensively utilized. Likewise, the current society embraces the use of these communication methods. For instance, written communication modes such as text messaging and emails are broadly accessible to the majority of individuals in the current society. Additionally, oral ways are still integrated, including cell phones and voice messaging. 

Another similarity between previous and current communication equipment is that they both instigate social interactions as they both enable conversation between diverse individuals. No matter the means of communication that each method integrates, the outcome is that all communication tools foster social interactions and conversations among individuals. Both previous and recent communication technologies serve the crucial function of enhancing interaction. Letters and telephones enable individuals to converse, while emails and cell phones also allow conversation among individuals. 

Nevertheless, there are notable divergences in the manner how individuals communicate over long distances, especially regarding speed. While communication speed ranges were less effective in the past, they are significantly efficient in contemporary society. Letters would take several days before their arrival to the intended destination, and emails are sent and received instantaneously. Moreover, memos that were commonly used in the past would take a longer duration before their circulation through the offices as opposed to text messaging, which is more rapid.

Generally, the diversification of communication approaches is yet another significant divergence. While initially, there were various modes of communication, it is apparent that the amount of communication equipment in the current society has dramatically increased.  In the past, the most popular communication methods constituted letters and telephones. However, there is currently more technological equipment, including cell phones, emails, and social media networks, in addition to the use of former communication methods. Computers and the internet have shifted the dynamics of print media. Magazines and newspapers have been affected as most individuals have turned to the use of the internet.

The functions of recent communication technologies offer more provisions in comparison to previous modes of communication. Recent communication technologies possess multiple applications that enable more tasks, including creating and designing websites, uploading, and watching videos. Moreover, current communication equipment addresses the issues of portability and interactive capabilities. These features are considered so that users can communicate more effectively.  Alternatively, previous communication technologies contained fewer functional skills as the sole purpose of the equipment was to facilitate communication. To illustrate, the telephone was only limited to calling as it did not contain additional features. Cell phones, on the other hand, provide additional features such as cameras, videos, and applications. 

Conclusively, there has been a significant advancement in communication technology over the past half a century. Whereas several similarities comprise the modes of communication and the purpose of interaction, there are considerable variations, chiefly in association with the diversity of communication equipment and the speed range of communication.      

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