Acquaintance vs. E-quaintance

The role of interpersonal communication in our society is changing as quickly as the population itself is shifting. For decades, interpersonal relationships have involved various senses such as sight, smell, and sound but that experience is evaporating as technology envelops the country. The generation of Americans under the age of 50 are comfortable sharing personal information with people they've never met except on a visual screen as they type/text the exchange. However, Americans over the age of 50 are still comfortable developing relationships with the physical presence of the other person(s). Our country is nearly evenly split culturally by those who enjoy the company of others and those who prefer to communicate with a key pad. One fact is certain, the above 50 age group is fading and the below 50 age group is advancing with technology to control the future.

Interpersonal communication models need major updating to include the digital age and how human interaction is changing. Hall's often quoted "social distance" theories are a thing of the past since private, public and group communication is currently completed on a handheld device. Obviously, we are in a transitional time where generations need to understand the comfort level of each other by using appropriate interpersonal communication to make a point. But, the baby boomers are retiring and the control of political, business, religious and social views will be in the hands of people who can manipulate language on the screen directly in the palm of your hand. Who are these E-quaintances? It's a great question to keep asking yourself as you evolve with virtual communication. --HPT