Before entering communication materials in the network, it would be better if we understand the meaning of communication first. After you know enough about communication, we can start discussing communication in the network.
Chapter List
Definition of Communication
Communication can be interpreted as the delivery or reception of messages between one party to another party both individually and in groups so that messages can be understood. If the message is not understood by the recipient of the message, then it can be said that the communication has not occurred. There are several important terms in communication that must be understood, namely:
Communicator: the person who conveys the message
Communicate: the person who receives the message
Message: things delivered
Media: a means to convey messages
Communication Function
1. For information
Communication channels the information needed by an individual or another group as one of the considerations in making decisions and making judgments.
2. As a control
Communication can be used as a control or control someone’s behavior. Usually carried out by the supervisor of an organization to control subordinates with existing organizational regulations.
3. As motivation
To increase motivation, a person usually communicates what someone has to do to get something better. For example, a boss who wants to improve employee performance is done by motivating his subordinates to work harder by giving certain rewards / gifts.
4. As a means of channeling emotions
Communication can be used as a means to express emotions from feelings to meet social needs. Not only through two people’s communication, channeling emotions can even be conveyed in a community as a form of social interaction.
Above has been explained about the meaning and function of communication. With this explanation the reader is expected to be able to understand the meaning of communication and the function of communication for daily life.
Next we will enter the communication material in the network. For some people communication on the network does not sound familiar because not everyone uses this term.
but after reading the explanation below, it is hoped that readers can understand communication in the network and how communication in the network we have used everyday.
Also consider: Barriers to Communication and How to Overcome It
Understanding Communication in Networks (online)
Online communication is a form of communication that uses the internet to convey and receive messages. Communication via the internet is happening in cyberspace or other languages is cyberspace.
In this era, it is no longer a difficult thing to communicate via the internet, given the increasing number of technology users, it can even be said that no one does not use the internet.
One reason to use the internet is because of the convenience offered, communication can be done anywhere and anytime. Some communication services that utilize the internet are websites, social media, etc.
Types of Online Communication
1. Synchronous Online Communication
Synchronous online communication is communication with facilities in the form of a computer and occurs simultaneously or in real time (at that moment). An example of synchronous online communication is as follows
A. Text Chat
Text chat (text message) is defined as a feature or application to communicate in the form of text messages to fellow users of the feature who are both connected to the internet. Easy, the user will send a text message to other people who are online, then the other person responds in the same way (also in the form of text messages).
B. Video Chat
Video chat is a feature that allows users to interact audio and video in real time. Video chat can be easily used with computer, tablet and smartphone facilities. At present, the use of video chat or commonly called video calls is not only point-to-point (one-on-one) but can also be done in multiple (one to many or many to many).
2. Asynchronous Online Communication (Not Simultaneous)
Asynchronous online communication is communication with computer media but not in real time. This type of online communication does not require that both parties are communicating online or connected at the same time. Examples of asynchronous online communication are email, online forums, blogs, and so on.
Supporting Components for Online Communication
Before conducting online communication, users must have important components needed during the online communication process. These components are:
1. Hardware (hardware)
Hardware is a device that can be seen and touched by humans directly. Examples of hardware used for online communication include computers, headsets, speakers, microphones, and so on.
2. Software
Software is a device that can be seen but cannot be touched directly. Software in the form of rogram or application that functions to perform certain tasks desired by users as a bridge between hardware and brainware. Some software that is generally used, among others, skype, whatsapp, yahoo, webconference, and so forth.
3. Users (brainware)
Brainware is a person who operates hardware and software to carry out online communication.
Purpose of Online Communication
- Can send large amounts of data efficiently and economically, and is able to minimize errors.
- Enables easier management, i.e. data management between two or more devices.
- The use of computers in a centralized or scattered manner enables management control both decentralized and centralized.
- Support remote control, so users can control the device from a distance.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Online Communication
Advantages
- Can be done anytime and anywhere. Communication using the internet allows us to communicate anytime and anywhere and while doing anything while connected to the internet and adequate facilities.
- Cost effective. Online communication can be said to be cost-effective because we don’t have to spend more to meet someone but simply use a communication tool, messages can be delivered right then and there.
- Saving time. Before online communication, our time was wasted traveling to meet someone to deliver a message or through the postal service which also took days. After online communication, communication can be done in real-time if the facilities are adequate.
- Integration with other ICTs. When communicating online we can use other ICT services to support the communication being carried out. Services that can be used in conjunction with online communication, among others, presentations, documents, and so forth.
- online communication allows someone who is less communicative in the real world to be more intense communicating in cyberspace.
- The level of participation increases with the opening of communication lines so that more people can join to communicate together (discussion).
Deficiency
- Requires a special device. In conducting online communication, users need hardware (cellphones, laptops, computers, etc.) and software to communicate.
- Emotions are not represented. Online communication does make it easier for users to communicate but emotions carried by users cannot be conveyed, such as intonation, body movements, facial expressions.
- The more widespread online communication users, causing a lot of inclusion of information that is less important so that many users access a lot of information is not important than important information.
- Lack of socialization. With the convenience of online communication services, it actually reduces the intensity of user communication in the real world because it assumes all information has been conveyed through cyberspace
