How Much is Too Much E- Communication?

Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 08:09am by Gina Laverde in Life

I think it’s safe to say that if you spend more of your day chatting online than enjoying the sunshine or interacting with physical beings, it’s easy to become desensitized to the world. How we look, the sound of our voice, and the tone of our language is all shielded by our computer screens and the invisible web that mysteriously links us and separates us at the same time.

I can’t tell you when the last time was that I met a new (lasting) friend through old fashioned means. I rarely feel the need to anymore. I’ve got too many cyber buddies. Besides, while I’m in public I’m too busy texting my old friends, writing in my journal or deciding what type of herbal tea to order.

I meet people in my own city through the internet. Should I be thankful or afraid? A connection is a connection – and in life and business we need the company and support of others. Without the internet I couldn’t write this blog or connect with Mindpetalers – let alone forge relationships with the awesome writers from overseas who write for my magazine.

But, I’ve noticed that I’ve become so much more introverted (or lazy?). When I think about calling a friend, I usually text them first. I find that some old friends prefer to text rather than talk. Why is that?

When have we had too much e-communication? How do we strive for a balance?

Not too long ago I made a rather huge (in my book) e-mail mistake. I used an exclamation point where I shouldn’t have. I’m being serious here. This caused the e-mailee to feel that I was blowing off a serious issue, and making it into a joke. This could not have been further from my intention.

Sometimes we create deep relationships (business or otherwise) with people on the net, and we feel that we know everything about them. I felt that this person knew me well enough to trust me and know that I take my business VERY seriously. But, my e-friend thought I was being sarcastic. And that is how it appeared on the screen.

We need to pick up the phone anytime that conflict can arise with an e-client or partner. If there’s been any miscommunication, or doubt in the relationship – take it off of the computer screen. Attempt to sit down with the person if they live in your part of the world. I like Skype as a way of connecting a face with a voice (if you have a camera on your computer).

I love the internet. It’s great for people like us. It’s great for the shy dudes who want to run their own show without ever having to come face to face with their public. And, who can knock FREE?

At this point though, connecting with the outside environment through natural means (like on the bus, or at the park) should be something that we strive for. One day, you are going to need to give a speech, and you need to have the basic skills of personal interaction.

Plus, sunshine is great (in moderate doses). It helps your body absorb vitamin D. So, get off your computer and go take a walk.

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