The way we communicate is changing on
fundamental level and in a profound way. The World Wide Web and
blogging have been likened to the printing press, and Web 2.0 has
become both a buzzword and the focus for many.
Yet, Web 2.0 is just one part of a
change that will impact almost every individual and company.
Changes in technology make it easy
for people to communicate in ways and in quantities never before
seen. Mobile phones, PDAs, and similar devices are not only allowing
unprecedented reach between individuals, but groups as well. When
the audio and video capabilities are combined with net features and
access, the integrated multimedia products have literal world-wide
reach.
Just as important as the changes in
technology are the changes in social mores. Via mobiles and social
networking sites, people are sharing a variety of interesting -- and
even disturbing -- information with friends, groups, and larger
populations. Things that once were intensely private are now shared
openly with increasingly larger groups. Instead of just telling one
or two people about an experience of the day, individuals can now
share that event in real time with a considerable audience.
While many of the societal changes
this will induce can't even be guessed at this point, two things are
very clear. First, the way information is spread has changed on a
fundamental level. Gone are the days of giving information to just a
limited media pool. Second, interactions -- both good and ill -- are
going to be shared in or near real-time. What was once a minor
customer interaction can now easily be a major corporate issue in a
matter of moments.
Are you ready to deal with the new
reality of Communications 2.0?
