How Technology Affects Communication and Our Human Bonds

By Dr. William Oliver Hedgepeth  |  08/26/2025

In our rapidly evolving digital world, communication technology has reshaped the ways we communicate with each other. The digital world and social media influence nearly every aspect of our daily lives in our communities, and communication tools are part of virtually every interaction.

The transformation in how we communicate has evolved over the years. We have gone from telegraphs and fax machines to communication tools that are fast, efficient, and multifaceted.

Today’s world is populated with smartphones, automobiles with voice-activated systems, AI chatbots, and algorithms that learn our search and shopping preferences. These tools don’t just facilitate conversation – they anticipate, personalize, and respond in ways that mimic humans.

Communication among people and machines now occurs through a vast array of digital devices. Whether we’re sending messages via text or email, chatting through video, or sharing data in real-time, tools like smartphones and smartwatches act as personal hubs of instant connection.

Technology in Our Lives

In homes, smart TVs and virtual assistants allow residents to communicate without lifting a remote. Want to order groceries? Just access an app and order through your smartphone. Want to settle a debate over movie trivia? Ask Siri® or Alexa®.

In the mood to talk with a friend? Open up a mobile phone app designed for video chatting or send text messages back and forth.

Technological advancements have made a positive impact to our lives, creating convenience and efficiency. However, over-reliance on such tools may create negative consequences for developing interpersonal bonds – particularly when instant messaging replaces deeper conversation and face-to-face communication.

The Use of Technology in the Workplace

In business, video conferencing and written communication are standard through the use of platforms like:

• Zoom®
• Slack®
• Microsoft Teams®

Video conferencing and shared documents even play a crucial role in allowing teams to collaborate across continents and hold virtual meetings that make communication faster.

For written documents, AI-powered assistants ensure that the grammar, tone, and phrasing in messages suit a particular audience.

However, AI tools also have their limits in business. While AI can flag language that would lead to messages that could be easily misinterpreted, it cannot fully replicate the trust built in face-to-face communication. The ability to interpret body language and other nonverbal cues remains a critical component of good communication skills.

In the near future, employees will need continuous training to work alongside AI systems that analyze customer sentiment, automate outreach campaigns, and generate real-time data for analytics. Marketing professionals already need to understand behavioral science, social media, the basics of machine learning, and the ethical boundaries of persuasive technology.

Job applicants will need to demonstrate to companies how they can collaborate with AI to solve problems, make decisions, or generate content. These candidates will also be asked to show how they can communicate well in different environments, such as writing emails to humans and prompts for AI tools to create messages that matter.

E-Commerce Companies and Predictive Technology

Online companies like Amazon® are more than e-commerce shopping platforms. They use profile-generation algorithms powered by machine learning to analyze customer preferences and predict needs. These automated systems provide users with tailored recommendations and subtle reminders that shift consumer behavior.

Technology is a powerful tool for effective communication and strengthening social connections between brands and their audiences. However, technological tools can also have a negative impact when overused, contributing to information overload for users.

Technology in Education

K-12 education has already been impacted by technology. First graders are interacting with voice-enabled AI tutors, gesture-based learning tools, and collaborative robotics in classrooms. Human teachers are already providing technology prompts to teach coding, and algorithmic thinking may become as fundamental as spelling and arithmetic.

At the college level, students use virtual classrooms where AI tutors, interactive databases, and predictive learning tools offer:

• Custom feedback
• Tailored written communication
• Simulated learning

For students enrolled in college coursework, immersive e-learning platforms like Canvas® and Blackboard® make communication both accessible and relevant in academic communities.

AI-powered platforms can help the human teachers by serving as teaching assistants and reducing the time spent on administrative tasks. For example, they can track student focus, engagement, and emotional responses.

Augmented reality tools can convert historic events or physics problems into 3D experiences. Students can already their mobile devices to “see” historical events, explore simulations, and re-create social interactions from the past.

Social Media and Its Effect on Interpersonal Communication

For many people, the internet and social media apps like Twitter®, Instagram®, and Facebook® enable real-time expression to friends, family, or communities around the world. However, social media has also led to negative effects such as:

• The quick spread of misinformation
• Cyberbullying
• Emotional isolation and depression for users 
• A decrease in face-to-face interactions
• Over-spending time online

The Future of Communication and Technology

In the future, technologies will become more context-aware, offering suggestions, corrections, and emotional tone indicators for users. However, effective communication still depends on certain communication skills, such as:

• Practicing active listening
• Cultivating clarity in writing
• Recognizing the body language of other people in nonverbal communication

In recent years, evolution in technology has shown that technology’s profound impact on communication is not just about speed or convenience. Instead, it’s about how much it shapes how humans communicate and interact in a positive or negative way. Whether that communication occurs in our homes, in our workplaces, or on social media sites, the effects of technology are far-reaching.

The B.A. in Communication at APU

For adult learners interested in pursuing a communications degree, American Public University (APU) provides an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Students enrolled in this degree program may take courses in topics such as digital tools and media in communication, interpersonal communications, and social media and society. Other courses offered in this program include public speaking, communication theory, and intercultural communication.

This bachelor’s degree also has two concentrations: digital communication and media design and strategic communication. These concentrations enable students to tailor their education and take the courses best suited to their academic and professional goals.

For more information, visit APU’s arts and humanities degree program page.

Siri is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
Alexa is a registered trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc.
Zoom is a registered trademark of Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
Slack is a registered trademark of Salesforce, Inc.
Microsoft Teams is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
Amazon s a registered trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc.
Canvas is a registered trademark of Instructure.
Blackboard is a registered trademark of Blackboard, Inc.
Twitter is a registered trademark of the X Corporation.
Instagram is a registered trademark of Instagram, LLC.
Facebook is a registered trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc.