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Attributes of Online Communication

Online communication has several key attributes: it uses digital media and allows for fast, interactive exchanges between senders and receivers from any location via the internet. It also enables many-to-many communication, as well as user-generated content and multimedia messaging. Online communication is accessible at any time, provides a documented record of exchanges, and allows geographically distant users to connect globally at low cost.

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saurav kar
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8K views

Attributes of Online Communication

Online communication has several key attributes: it uses digital media and allows for fast, interactive exchanges between senders and receivers from any location via the internet. It also enables many-to-many communication, as well as user-generated content and multimedia messaging. Online communication is accessible at any time, provides a documented record of exchanges, and allows geographically distant users to connect globally at low cost.

Uploaded by

saurav kar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ATTRIBUTES OF ONLINE COMMUNICATION

1. Digital: Online communication uses digital media for distribution of messages. The sender
can share these digital messages with one or n number of recipients over internet.

2. Interactivity: Online messages are delivered almost instantly and allows the recipient to
reply back. So there is a high scope for interactive communication between sender and
receiver. Therefore, two way communication exists rather than one way flow of
information like in traditional mass communication.

3. Speed: Online communication is the fastest means to interact or share information with
others. For instance, a letter may take days to reach the receiver, but an Email or an instant
message on WhatsApp can convey the message instantly without any delay. Even the latest
news also first comes online and later on is covered by other media.

4. Flexibility: Online media is accessible 24×7 at any place and through any smart device as
long as you have an internet connection. Therefore, a user has the convenience of getting
involved in discussions or other online activity at their own time.

5. Many to many communication: Traditional mass media like newspapers and television
follow a 'one to many' communication model wherein media organisation disseminate
messages to their audiences. However, online communication has replaced this model with
a 'many to many' model. So, instead of one source sending out information to masses, each
and every individual user of online media has the power to share information and respond
back.

6. Feedback: Online communication allows users to provide instant feedback to messages


received, which was not easily possible in traditional media. So, one way flow of
information replaced by two way flow.

7. Levelling: Reserved or shy people who usually don’t speak up can say as much as they like
while “loud” people are just another voice and can’t interrupt. This phenomenon helps in
democratization of the thoughts, ideas, suggestions and value statements that occurs
through anonymity. In theory, all views should be seen as equal, with their merit tested
against the logic of the argument. However, practically loud voices often dominate the
arguments and logic. But online communication provides equal opportunity for all to put
their point. Hence, leading to an egalitarian communication flow.

8. Documented Communication: Unlike verbal communication, online conversations are


lasting and can be revisited, saved, taken screenshot of and downloaded.
9. Global reach: We can interact with people all across the world with just a click of a button.
Online communication tools have shortened distances between people allowing them to
interact anytime and anywhere. Its global reach has also become a tool for social
movement, raising awareness, campaign promotion and lets people form online
communities. It has also provided people with an opportunity to even influence the west.

10. User generated content: Online platforms like social media, blogs, YouTube and websites
have made it possible for people to create content and post it online. This flexibility of
online communication has democratized the communication process. But on the other
hand it has also raised the issue of credibility, privacy, civility and copyright violation as
there's no gatekeeping and people can directly post anything online.

11. Multimedia usage: Along with text conversation, online communication facilitates
messages in form of images, videos, animations and sound.

12. Cost effectiveness: Once internet service is subscribed, online communication turns out to
be much more cost effective than other forms of communication. For instance, it is much
cheaper to publish news and articles online as compared to producing a print hard copy.
Similarly, conversing online or exchanging media over internet with others through emails,
social sites and instant messengers becomes more cost effective.

13. Convenience: Users can communicate and share information online while sitting at the
convenience of home easily. Video-conferencing lets people to conduct meetings without
the need of being physically present together. This convenience makes life easier for users.
Concept of working from home and freelancing has also been facilitated immensely by
online communication.

14. Asynchronicity: Earlier, especially in traditional mass communication, audience members


had to attend the same message at the same time because of a fixed schedule. However,
this is no longer the case as the audience can choose when, where and how to attend to a
message using the internet on news websites and podcasts. Similarly, while communicating
online, people have the flexibility of receiving and reverting to a message at their own
convenient time. There is no necessity of being online at the same time.

15. Relevance: Online communication provides a place for exchange of real life examples and
experiences. Option to stay anonymous while participating in online discussions in forums
has clearly set people free when talking about deeply personal issues. The stories that
emerge are usually detailed, compelling, emotionally rich and very real.
16. Unpredictable and limitless: One can never predict where an online discussion will go and
the unexpected often results in incidental learning. This holds true for online community
engagement as well as for online classroom learning. Many a times organisations find
themselves surprised by the issues that their community is actually concerned about rather
than the issues they believed their community should or would be concerned about. So
online engagement often turns out to be a good reality check.

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