Asynchronous communication: what it is and differences with synchronous communication

Communication has changed enormously with the arrival, long ago, of new technologies. We no longer communicate in the same way, nor in the same ways, with the people who surround us (or who are far from us).

In this context, asynchronous communication appears, a type of communication where information is sent without a temporal coincidence between sender and receiver, for example through the mail electronic.

In this article we will know what this type of communication consists of, what subtypes it presents, some examples of the itself, what elements make it up, how it differs from synchronous communication and what advantages it entails over this.

• Recommended article: "The 28 types of communication and their characteristics"

Asynchronous communication (vs. synchronous)

Asynchronous communication is a type of communication where the message between two or more people is sent deferred in time. (That is, when two people communicate through this type of communication, there is no temporal coincidence).

In fact, as its name indicates, there is no synchrony in this sense (“a-synchronous”), as far as temporality is concerned. This implies that the information is not sent and received simultaneously in time, but rather with a certain delay.

On the other hand, synchronous communication is one where the exchange of information occurs in real time between the sender and the receiver of the message. This concept (together with asynchronous communication), but, goes further, and is framed and specified within communication through new technologies (for example, the Internet).

Specifically, these are concepts encompassed within the so-called "Computer Mediated Communication" (that is, communication between people but through computers or technology).

Examples of asynchronous communication

In relation to asynchronous communication, we can find, broadly speaking, examples of two types: traditional and novel (current). Thus, as an example of traditional asynchronous communication, we find the letter by regular mail (postal mail).

On the other hand, as an example of novel asynchronous communication (that is, in the field of new technologies and virtual communication), we found the email.

As we can see, in both cases the communication occurs in a deferred manner (that is, it is not a communication snapshot, and the moment in which the sender sends the message and the receiver receives it, is different [not match]).

Items

The elements of asynchronous communication are actually the same as those of any other type of communication. However, these have some specific characteristics, which we will see below.

1. Transmitter

The sender is the person who sends the message. In the specific case of asynchronous communication, the sender issues the information being aware that the response from the receiver will not arrive instantly.

2. Receiver

The receiver in any type of communication is the person who sends the message to its recipient. In this case, he knows that he will only be able to read or see the message when he accesses the specific channel through which it was sent (for example, email).

3. Channel

The next element of communication is the channel; This consists of the physical medium known to both parties (sender and receiver) and through which the message is sent or transmitted. It is important for the channel to last over time, so that the information can be stored indefinitely.

4. Code

The next element, the code, like the channel, must also last over time. The code is the language used by both the sender and the receiver, which allows communication.

Thus, this must be shared by all parties that make up any communicative act. On the other hand, it must have a physical support in order to store the information transmitted.

5. situation or context

Finally, the situation or context of any communicative act are all those circumstances in which communication occurs (for example: time, place, culture…).

In the case of asynchronous communication, the availability of both sender and receiver is uncertain; This availability is of great importance, because it marks the context of the communicative act.

Guys

What types of asynchronous communication exist (in the context of virtual communication or internet communication)? According to Roberto de Miguel Pascual, author of "Fundamentals of human communication", we find two types of asynchronous communication.

1. Asynchronous user-to-user communication

In this case, the information or message is sent from a specific sender to a specific receiver (individually; that is, "from you to you"). An example of this can be found in text SMS (although they are practically no longer used).

2. Asynchronous communication between multiple users

In this second type, the message is addressed to a group of people. An example would be a discussion forum on a certain web page.

Advantages

What are the advantages of asynchronous communication? We can enumerate these, especially comparing them with synchronous communication.

1. simplicity

The first advantage we find in asynchronous communication is its simplicity; This means that synchronization between the two parts of the communication (sender and receiver) is not necessary for the message to be transmitted.

2. Economy

In the field of the Internet, if we compare synchronous communication with asynchronous communication, the latter has a lower cost, since the hardware it needs to work is less.

3. Software speed

Finally, the configuration of the software that allows asynchronous communication is much faster than what is necessary for other types of communications or transmissions.

Differences Between Asynchronous and Synchronous Communication

We have seen, at the beginning of the article, what synchronous communication consisted of. But, what is the difference from asynchronous communication?

1. Simultaneity

First of all, in an asynchronous communicative act, a response (and even less immediate) is not necessary; On the other hand, in the case of synchronous communication, it is necessary that the elements of the communicative act work simultaneously, and in real time.

In other words, in this second case, the recipient does usually expect a response (imagine talking to someone face to face and they don't respond... it would be strange, right? Or even in a chat).

Thus, the first difference that we find between these two types of communication is the factor of simultaneity.

2. temporal coincidence

In asynchronous communication, there is no temporal coincidence between sender and receiver. On the other hand, in synchronous communication, the temporal coincidence must exist for the communication to take place (the message is transmitted).

Thus, in the latter case, sender and receiver must coincide in time (for example in an instant chat).

3. Transfer speed

Transfer speed is another difference between asynchronous and synchronous communication. Thus, this is slower in the case of asynchronous communication.

4. simplicity

On the other hand, asynchronous communication is simpler, and also cheaper, than synchronous.

5. Efficiency and overhead

Alluding to the new technologies present (and required, in the context in which we find ourselves) in both types of communication, we can say that asynchronous communication is less efficient than synchronous, and that it also has a major overload.

Bibliographic references:

• Arbeláez, M.C. (2014). Information and communication technologies (ICT) an instrument for research. Andean Research, 16(29): 997-1000.

• Cabero, J., Llorente, M.C. and Roman, P. (2004). Communication tools in "blended learning". Pixel-Bit. Media and Education Magazine, 23: 27-41.

• Marcello, C. and Perera, V.H. (2007). Communication and electronic learning: didactic interaction in the new virtual learning spaces. Education Magazine, 343: 381-429.