What is Online Communication? Definition of Online Communication, Online Communication Meaning and Concept

Online communication is that which is carried out through social media and the different platforms that exist on the Internet. This communication is usually bidirectional, since it allows the sender and receiver to exchange opinions on the messages that are revealed.

There are different types of communication, including online communication. It is a communication that occurs in the online world, through the social networks and platforms that comprise it.

With the boom in new technologies and the arrival of the Internet, online communication has great importance in society.

Not only does it serve for companies and clients to communicate with each other through the online world, but the users themselves use it to share information and data of interest.

Companies have realized that the majority of the population is on the Internet and that is why they have laid the foundations to have a presence in the digital sector and to be able to communicate with their customers effectively.

What is online communication for?

It has a series of very prominent utilities. These are the main ones:

• It allows people to communicate no matter where they are.
• The exchange of information and data is bidirectional or can even be multidirectional depending on the online channel used and the messages.
• The cost to carry out this type of communication is very low. It is a good way to communicate at low cost.
• Access to information is immediate. It allows news and events to be known from anywhere in the world.
• The communication can occur in real - time or delayed. Different media and platforms allow both options.
• It facilitates access to learning and allows the approach to topics of interest.
• Companies have realized the great potential that exists on the Internet and have a presence on the different platforms that exist with the aim of improving communication with their customers and other users.

Examples of online communication

Online communication aims to exchange information through digital media and the different platforms that exist in the digital world.

A chat through videoconference, sending a message using email as a means of communication, or talking through a chat in real time, are some examples of the implementation of online communication.

Companies also enable methods to communicate with their customers on their pages. This, through the implementation of forms, emails or the implementation of strategies such as email marketing. All this with the aim of effectively enhancing online communication.

Different ways to communicate online

The Internet is no longer just a place for content. It is the latest technological advance in communication following the telegraph and the telephone. Internet users are able to communicate with each other from all over the world instantly. With the necessary tools, users can share photos, send virtual birthday and Christmas cards, and develop better relationships with family and friends.

The email

A shortened form of "email", an email works like traditional mail in that messages are being sent by one person, received and sometimes saved by another, but the process is instantaneous. Users have a unique email address from which messages are transmitted back and forth. Furthermore, a message can be sent to several recipients simultaneously.

Instant messaging

An instant message, or IM, is the process of sending messages in real time from one user to another. A user writes a message that is transmitted over a network and received by the other user. Instant messaging can be between two or more people using a specific program, such as Yahoo Messenger or Windows Live Messenger.

Conversation room

A chat room is a "space" on the Internet where groups of people come together to communicate. The user writes a message that is seen by the other users currently connected in the same "space". Users can see a list of all users online. If one right clicks on a username, they are able to view their profile and send a private message.

Social networks

Social media allows members to reconnect with old friends, make new friends, and meet members of similar interests. A user creates a profile and is granted access to the site where they can view and connect with other users' profiles. Popular social networking sites include MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter.

The forums

A forum is a part of a website that allows group discussion. Members have the ability to start a discussion and read and respond to each other. Each individual discussion is called a thread. A forum is usually supervised by a moderator who has the ability to edit forum posts.

Dating sites

Dating sites are typically websites dedicated to meeting singles with other singles. Often times, for a fee, a member creates a profile that can be viewed by other members, who have the ability to get in touch with others through the website in the hopes of making a romantic connection.

Blog

A blog is an online newspaper, or an individual's journal. Typically written by a single person, a blog can be used to discuss an individual's life, to promote products, provide information, make political statements, and give tutoring. Blog readers - who can often be subscribed - can read the content and often leave comments.

Audio conference

Audio conferencing is a connection between two computers that requires participants to have a microphone and speakers. When using an instant messaging program, such as America Online Messenger (AOL), or audio conferencing software, such as Skype, users speak into the microphone and dialogue is heard through the other users' speakers.

Video conferencing

Video conferencing works like audio conferencing. The differences are that users can see each other - and this requires a webcam for all parties - and that, depending on the service used, several people can see and be seen at the same time.

Voip

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP, is the telephone service through an Internet connection. Users have an adapter and a unique phone number. The user can send and receive phone calls using a computer, a VoIP phone or a traditional phone, to and from other people, whether they use VoIP or not.