Communication is shifting. Is it for the good?

By Regis Perry

We live in an era where the distance between “there” and “here” has virtually collapsed, yet somehow the distance between truly connecting and merely scrolling sometimes widens. As Raghavendra argues, social media isn’t just a tool—it’s a lens through which we’re redefining how we interact, relate, and communicate. MediumFor someone like you—committed to self-development, mindful relationships (with yourself, your students, your partner)—this is both a rich opportunity and an invitation to pause and choose how you engage.

A Few Key Shifts Identified

Here are some of the major changes Raghavendra points out, and why they matter:

Instant, global connectivity – Social media means we can connect via text, audio, video at any moment, from any location. Raghavendra notes the move from “face-to-face or phone call” being primary, to “social platforms” being the norm. MediumWhy it matters for you: Your presence—whether in the classroom, in your relationships, or in self-reflection—is amplified. But presence isn’t automatic just because you’re “online”.

Shifted relationship dynamics – Raghavendra writes that old friends and family are easier to maintain contact with; new relationships can be formed around shared interests or values via social platforms. MediumWhy it matters: As you teach and mentor, you can leverage this—yet also guard against shallow connections. Deeper relationships still need intention, not just proximity.

Altered interaction styles & expectations—the medium changes the message. Social media brings new norms: shorter messages, more visual content, and faster responses, but sometimes less depth. While Raghavendra doesn’t list all the specific styles in that article, this theme is echoed in broader research. CII Blog+1Why it matters: Think about how you communicate with students or with yourself—are you defaulting to fast, shallow modes? Can you choose to deepen the medium when needed?

Reference Raghavendra S. (2023, February 27). How Social Media Is Changing the Way We Interact and Communicate. Medium. Retrieved from https://medium.com/@zenkinng/how-social-media-is-changing-the-way-we-interact-and-communicate-ae51eda323f8 Medium