For decades, postal services and landlines represent the only way to keep in touch with someone. The improvements in telecommunication system and the spread of mobile devices have changed significantly how people interact.
Mobile devices facilitate instantaneous communication everywhere. The wireless technology is more comfortable than the traditional fixed line and more reliable than postal services. In fact, in the past, the delivery of letters failed during the transport. After the release of internet devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable objects, it is possible to be always connected and to share easily own geographical position. Despite of the past, if someone was in trouble had to seek a phone box to call the emergency number or to notify a delay. The communication experience is extended by messaging applications because they connect people from all over the world. Furthermore, they offer several features such as reactions, emoticons, animated pictures, videos, voicemails, videocalls, and groups chat.
Always-connected devices involve many opportunities, but also risks and limits because they are used for purpose different from communications. Many people spend too much time on the social media, watching TV series or playing videogames on the telephone. This form of digital addiction increases isolation from close people, for example when someone who needs help or parents would like to talk with their son and vice versa. Moreover, the language expressions used in chat are poor and sloppy, in contrast to emotional expressions used in letters.
In general, the mobile devices have improved people’s interaction in terms of speed, efficiency, reliability. However, it is important to understand the proper use of them and rediscover the beauty of communicate face to face, not only virtually.