The recent shift from offline to online interactions has fundamentally changed the way humans socialize

and communicate, creating controversy about the impact of digital technology on well-being [63,64 ,65].
This paper provides a new framework for organizing the extant literature. The consequences of digital
technology can be categorized based on the structural differences between online (versus offline)
platforms—fewer nonverbal cues, more anonymity, more flexible network selection, and wider
audience—and the ways in which technologies harm or enhance offline connection. Our framework also
identifies many remaining research questions. Here we highlight some of the most ambitious questions
that future work could pursue. First, if online interactions increase misunderstanding and
dehumanization (because they lack nonverbal cues), how might different communication technologies
reduce civility and increase conflict more broadly? Second, to the extent that online engagement is
‘globalizing’ (without geographic or audience-size boundaries), how might it change the development of
universal norms and languages across the world? Third, because online interactions are more
anonymous and data-driven, might they encourage the commodification or objectification of interaction
partners? Consider, for example, the revolution of online dating, in which people are reduced to a single
photo and selected or rejected with a mere swipe right or left (i.e. Tinder). Fourth, as technology
continues to evolve, how might online interaction start to more closely resemble in-person interaction?
For example, video chat is now highly accessible (e.g. Google hangouts, skype), allowing people to
virtually connect in a way that maintains many nonverbal cues (e.g. voice, gestures). Online gamers will
soon be able to select customizable voices, allowing them to choose how they sound while maintaining
their own vocal inflection, simultaneously increasing both realism and anonymity [66]. A final fruitful
area for investigation is the interplay between people’s online and offline personas. As time spent with
online communities continues to grow, how might online and offline personas differ, converge, and
affect one another? The future of human sociality lies in understanding, and consequently shaping,
online interaction. It is more important than ever for science to maintain pace with this social evolution.
QUESTION 1

TYPES OF GENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION

GENERATION Z

The first generation to grow up as digital natives, those who experienced the internet as part of their
daily lives at a young age, is known as Generation Z, or post-millennials, according to the Pew Research
Center. This generation, which is comprised of people born after 1997, has spent much of their lives in
front of screens, which has led to specific communication preferences. While at home, 65 percent of
Generation Z prefer to communicate online more often than in person, according to a study by cloud
mobile solutions company LivePerson. In addition, research suggests that growing up with lightning-fast
internet and upload speeds may have impacted their preferences on speed in communication, as well. A
survey by marketing company LeadSquared reported Generation Z expects rapid responses from
whoever they’re sending a message.

However, Generation Z’s communication preferences are quite different when at work or when
communicating with Generation X or baby boomers. In professional settings, research from HR firm Rise
has shown the best way to communicate with Generation Z employees is through face-to-face
communication.

MILLENNIALS

Those born between 1981 and 1996 are considered millennials. While some millennials grew up just
before the start of the digital age, most millennials are digital natives. With millennials’ propensity to
constantly stay connected to others digitally, it’s no surprise that a study by the Pew Research Center
found that 92 percent of millennials own smart phones. The ease of texting or messaging others through
online apps on smartphones, as opposed to calling over the phone, has had a huge impact on millennial
communication preferences.

A separate study of millennials by BankMyCell found the majority of respondents didn’t answer phone
calls because it was “time consuming.” Similarly, in workplace settings, a survey by management
consulting firm Korn Ferry found that millennials also often avoid face-to-face interactions, instead
preferring to use online messaging software (55 percent) or e-mail (28 percent) to communicate with
bosses or co-workers. Therefore, the best way to communicate with millennial employees is reaching
them through digital messaging apps, whether over the phone or computer.
QUESTION 2

ADVANCE YOUR COMMUNICATIONS CAREER

Get the knowledge you need to master new communication approaches and develop your skills in new
media and entrepreneurial communication with the online M.A. in Contemporary Communication

EXPLORE DEGREE

GENERATION X

Members of Generation X were born between 1965 and 1980 and were the first generation to
incorporate digital technology in their youth. Generation X became early adopters of email, and the
simplicity of interpersonal communication through the medium affected the generation’s
communication preferences as they grew into adulthood.

A study from systems integration firm NTT Data confirmed that email is this generation’s preferred form
of communication, whether at work or in the comforts of home. According to an article from Getting
Smart, Generation X prefers receiving and using short, brief messages as opposed to lengthy ones. The
ability to utilize forms of digital technology enables Generation X to connect with younger people, such
as millennials or Generation Z. As such, Generation X is the bridge between the future generations of
workers and those closer to retirement age, like the baby boomers.

BABY BOOMERS

Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964 and grew up in a time when the telephone
transitioned from a bulky and expensive device to smaller units that the average family could afford.
Still, the cost of making some calls or using a private line may have impacted the preferences of baby
boomers, causing an imbalance of personal and technological communications. In fact, digital messaging
company Glip reported the best way to communicate with baby boomers at work or at home is through
face-to-face conversations.

Though baby boomers prefer speaking both in person and on the phone, some use online
communication methods, as well. A survey presented at the Americas Conference on Information
Systems found that 93 percent of baby boomer respondents used e-mail on a daily basis.

HOW TO BETTER COMMUNICATE BETWEEN GENERATIONS

While each generation has specific communication preferences, knowing their preferred method is just
the start of developing an intergenerational relationship in the workplace. Here are some tips from
Forbes on how to improve generational communication at the workplace:

Consider Your Audience: Because of each generation’s unique communication style, employees need to
tailor their conversations with their co-workers, bosses or subordinates. For example, a meeting with a
baby boomer boss may call for a more formal tone, while a conversation with a Gen Z or millennial
coworker could be more relaxed.

Individualize: Even though we are talking about generational stereotypes, not everybody lives up to
them. It’s necessary to understand the best communication style for your co-workers, bosses or
subordinates. Then, you can individualize your communication with them.

Teach and Learn: One of the keys to better intergenerational communication is a willingness to teach
and learn. Because all generations differ in their preferences, there will come a time when each will have
to use a less familiar method.

ADAPT YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE

As millennials move deeper into their careers and Generation Z enters the workforce, baby boomers and
Generation X are faced with the challenge of effectively communicating with younger employees. There
could be a real cost to businesses for any communication errors. A study from Holmes Report found that
the total cost of employee misunderstanding rose to $37 billion, with an average cost per company of
$62.4 million.

To better understand the evolution of communication and how to avoid the potential financial pitfalls,
enroll today in Notre Dame of Maryland University’s online masters in contemporary communication.
You can receive your degree in as little as one year and with our flexible, online format, you can balance
your education with your busy life. Our program, which features small class sizes designed for personal
attention, will prepare you for career advancement as well as becoming a better communicator in your
industry.