Digital Communications vs Voice Communications

Communicating via digital methods such as SMS, e-mail, instant messaging, etc can have many social downsides. When using these methods, it can be difficult for the receiver of the message to interpret what is being said as facial expressions and tones of voice cannot be seen or heard. This also means that there is a constant lack of emotion and any enthusiasm about a particular subject is withdrawn. In particular, SMS messaging has a very negative effect if using it for social purposes like business - the number of characters are often limited on text messages and therefore people often use shortened versions of words which can be deemed as unprofessional. Emails have an advantage here as they can be properly worded and can also add many contacts/email addresses to the email and add attachments too. This is can also be better than voice communication too - e.g. in a meeting, you would have to print out the correct amount of documents and distribute them. Also, points can be made easily and clearly via email whereas meetings etc take place for a certain amount of time and can often mean some ideas don’t get put forward.