As a communications major I think a lot about communicating. I love the technological devices and systems that have made it possible for us to communicate long distances. When I was six I remember my dad talking about the internet and this new thing called chatting (actually, I’m not sure if that’s what it was called at the time). It all seemed so foreign and strange and I remember realizing that this whole new thing called the internet was beginning to change the world.

Now fifteen years, six e-mail, one twitter, two facebook, and  one shutterfly accounts later I have difficulty imagining life without this technology. All these social networking devices have made it possible for me to communicate with families and friends long distance. However, while it has enhanced my long distance relationships it has negatively affected my relationships with the people in the same room as me.

The two technological things that I have seen affect relationships the most in my life is chatting and texting. They both interfere with conversations. I’ve caught myself chatting on facebook while in a deep conversation with a friend; and I’ve gotten frustrated when my friends text while I’m conversing with them.

I think it’s time to question whether the advance in communication methods has decreased effectiveness in communicating one on one.

Please post your opinions on this subject, I will revisit this topic shortly.