Why We Choose Different Communication Tools

If I want to have a record of an interaction, nothing is simpler than an e-mail.

You’ve no doubt received several confirmation e-mails that sum up a conversation, and clearly state the expectations of what was discussed. Sometimes these are annoying, particularly if the sender cc.s your boss, or some other third party.

It’s a combination of covering your ass and making sure there’s clarity.

But there are all sorts of instances where I wouldn’t choose e-mail.

Mark Evans has a good update on what tools he uses to communicate.

I have to agree with most of his points, except that I know why people choose Twitter to share information and chatter with friends and near-strangers alike.

Twitter is like the old party line that served rural areas for decades. There was no such thing as a private phone line in some areas. You had to watch what you said, knowing that others could be listening in (and usually were).

It may have been intrusive, but the party line kept people informed what was happening. And it made having a conference call with neighbours really simple. The only thing keeping a call private was the willingness of neighbours not to eavesdrop. You could hope for it, but you couldn’t count on it.

Want all your online acquaintances to know what you think about something? Post it on Twitter, and echo it on your Facebook status update. Mission accomplished.

Want to have a meaningful dialogue with a trusted friend? Pick up the phone, if you can’t talk face to face.

As good as Twitter is at letting you stay in touch, and share your thoughts, there’s no substitute for direct contact.

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