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Digital Communication: Its Effects on Interpersonal Communication Skills and

Information Security

Working Paper · March 2017

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.26977.71520

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Digital Communication: Its Effects on Interpersonal Communication Skills and
Information Security

Patti Gilbert-Bonner

March 6, 2017
 Gilbert-Bonner 2

Communications occurring in cyberspace increase the deterioration of interpersonal

communication skills and security risks for information on its networks. Digital communications

are increasing, for example the social media explosion. The communication skills and etiquette

to effectively interact in cyberspace are not evolving as quickly as their need. The increase in this

digital information exchange, much of it being personal in nature, increases security risks of

The following discussion will pose reasons and examples supportive of the author’s

personal position on this subject. The definition of interpersonal skills describes the abilities

people use to interact appropriately with others. When is the aspect of communication exchange

is added to interpersonal skills, the term includes everything from attitude and body posture to

listening skills and communication – message sending and message receiving.

Increasingly, communication is accomplished over a digital, or electronic, network rather

than through personal interaction. Many believe this development helps shy people communicate

more openly, while others conversely consider digital communications to hinder the

development of interpersonal skills. From the latter perspective, digital communication further

limits the ability to have meaningful relationships with others. Along the same thought pattern,

digital communication is increasing in its format, range, and usage frequency, across all

generational and cultural boundaries. In addition, the pressure of “social, emotional, and moral

consequences of choosing between [those] different media” 1 can be discouraging.

To support digital media allowing introverted personalities a discrete outlet for

expression and interaction in their research, Madianou and Miller describe my personal

sentiments on the subject of digital communication. These authors describe polymedia as, “poly”

1. M. Madianou and D. Miller, "Polymedia: Towards a new theory of digital media in

interpersonal communication," International Journal of Cultural Studies 16, no. 2 (August 22,
2012): 169, accessed March 3, 2017, doi:10.1177/1367877912452486.
 Gilbert-Bonner 3

a derivative of the Greek term “polus” meaning many or much, which joins “media,” originating

from Latin and meaning something in-between or in the middle, to form “a new theory of

polymedia.” Polymedia is not merely a shift from social to technological, rather polymedia is a

new relationship between them considering the “choice of medium [to acquire] communicative

intent.” 2

As the use of digital communications and the media which facilitates it grows

exponentially, so do its consequences through new and other threats. The development of

cybersecurity is a direct result of computer worms and viruses introduced into digital

environments in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After moving into the new millennium, personal

and national security cyber information breaches are happening more frequently and affecting

greater expanses. 3 The enormity of digital interactions and cybercrime greatly reduce the

capability of incident response.

Walther, in Computer-Mediated Communication, is a pioneer of cyber communication.

His research is at the crux of this study, with two contrasting elements of discussion concerning

the “impersonal” and “hyperpersonal” aspects of computer communication. To this dilemma,

Walther points out the early view of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) “was that it

was both liberating and limiting,” although his closing remarks state CMC offers personalized

opportunities to communicate – “an impulse that seems to be inherently human yet may be more

easily enacted via technology.” 4

2. Madianou and Miller, "Polymedia: Towards a new theory, 169.

3. T. Julian, "Defining Moments in the History of Cyber-Security." Infosecurity
Magazine. December 04, 2014. Accessed March 06, 2017. https://www.infosecurity-
magazine.com/opinions/the-history-of-cybersecurity/.
4. J. B. Walther, "Interpersonal Effects in Computer-Mediated Interaction."
Communication Research 19, no. 1 (February 1, 1992): 33. Accessed March 5, 2017.
doi:10.1177/009365096023001001.
 Gilbert-Bonner 4

The increase in cyber communications was in its infancy during Walther’s studies;

several decades later, paradigms slow to adapt have made digital communications a breeding

ground for cybercrime. In 2006, the social response to “privacy in social networks” was

concerned with “the protection of children against predators.” Ten years later, social concern

now has to “deal with the potential misuse of personal information,” which is very close to in

severity to protecting children in cyberspace. 5

In conclusion, digital communication – communication in cyberspace – could stifle the

development of interpersonal communication skills to a lesser degree, especially if these skills

were already underdeveloped during primary education. It is more likely communication is

evolving to occur in different mediums, expanding the occurrence of communication and

possibly creating a requirement for new and different interpersonal communication skills, which

may compliment those of current tradition. The evolution of personal communication skills

better suited to a digital environment promises to thwart many of the security incidents occurring

today.

5. S. B. Barnes, "A privacy paradox: Social networking in the United States" First
Monday [Online], Volume 11 Number 9 (4 September 2006): [conclusion]
http://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/1394/1312.
 Gilbert-Bonner 5

Bibliography

Barnes, Susan B. "A privacy paradox: Social networking in the United States" First Monday
[Online], Volume 11 Number 9 (4 September 2006).
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their influence on millennial students’ rapport with instructors." Communication
Education 65, no. 3 (2016): 359-361, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2016.1177846.
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communication gap in education and practice." Organization Development Journal 32,
no. 4 (2014): 63-75http://www.hpu.edu/CBA/block-left-column/gibsonPublication.pdf.
Julian, Ted. "Defining Moments in the History of Cyber-Security." Infosecurity Magazine.
December 04, 2014.
Madianou, M., and D. Miller. "Polymedia: Towards a new theory of digital media in
interpersonal communication." International Journal of Cultural Studies 16, no. 2 (August
22, 2012): 169-87. doi:10.1177/1367877912452486.
Walther, Joseph B. "Interpersonal Effects in Computer-Mediated Interaction." Communication
Research 19, no. 1 (February 1, 1992): 52-90. doi:10.1177/009365096023001001.

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