Describe the communication that occurs face-to-face versus communication that occurs via interactive media communication. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Answer:

When we speak face to face, we see the other person's gestures, facial expressions, and attire, we hear their sighs, accent, or dialect; these are just a few of the many cues we use to fully understand what a person means. Some interactive media, howeverâ€"like text messages and tweetsâ€" eliminate all of those cues that help us to determine what is being communicated. Another variation in interactive media forms is the degree to which the exchange of messages is synchronous or asynchronous. FtF communication and media like the telephone and Skype chats are synchronous; that is, messages are sent and received at the same time. However, email, blog posts, and video recordings are asynchronous; that is, messages may be received at a later time. The distinction between synchronous and asynchronous messages can be blurred (Rettie, 2009). Text messaging may be synchronous or not, depending on how quickly the other person acknowledges or responds to the message. In some instances, one can choose to make a media interaction asynchronous (e. g., putting phone on silent, used only for voicemail).