Synchronous communication: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

New technologies have changed the way we interact with other people and this includes, of course, the way we communicate. The appearance of virtual platforms and mobile devices allows us to be in constant contact with everything, including people.

One of the many possibilities offered by new technologies is synchronous communication.. Throughout this article we will talk about the fundamental characteristics of this, of the main media or communication platforms that allow it, and the advantages and disadvantages that presents.

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What is synchronous communication?

By synchrony we understand the coincidence in time of two or more events. If we apply this concept to communication between people, we get the idea of ​​synchronous communication.

By synchronous communication we understand all those moments in which a dialogue or conversation takes place between two or more people in real time. Within this dialogue, people share a discourse, a medium through which information circulates, and the time they spend during communication.

Although it may not seem like a new concept at first (since it is reminiscent of a traditional spoken conversation), the idea of synchronous communication is framed within the world of new technologies, specifically within the CMC (Computer Mediated communication).

Within this scope, synchronous communication is defined as a process of exchanging information in real time and through the use of the Internet or technological platforms.

The main characteristics of synchronous communication within the CMC is the time factor, which offers us the possibility of dialoguing, exchange information, discuss... with one or more people, in real time, without the need for this person to be in front of us in that same place.

The first example that can come to mind is telephone conversations. With the invention of the telephone, around 1860, the synchronous communication revolution began. Since, despite the physical distance, two people can maintain a live exchange of information. That is, synchronously.

However, with the advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), chat has become the prototype of synchronous communication par excellence. Chats provide us with a space for exchanging information and live interaction with the characteristics of traditionally oral communication, but mediated by a virtual space.

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How is it different from asynchronous communication?

The counterpoint to this synchronous communication is determined by asynchronous communication. Literally, the definition of asynchronous communication refers to the process of exchanging information in which people do not share or coincide in the time factor.

This means that, unlike synchronous communication, in asynchronous communication people do not share information simultaneously or in the same space of time.

A traditional example of asynchronous communication is the letter or postal mail.. However, since we are in a context of virtual communication, the greatest example of this type of information exchange that exists today is email.

What apps does it have?

In addition to the applications of synchronous communication in the daily life of people, thanks to which the contact with anyone in real time, this form of communication can be really useful in educational contexts and, even, labor.

Thanks to virtual communication platforms, students, teachers and co-workers can communicate and collaborate synchronously (or asynchronously) without limitations space-time.

Through the use of internet networks, platforms, tools or virtual applications the exchange of ideas and information is facilitated. Which, well used, can mean an advance in the way of learning and working.

Main technological tools

In order to carry out a synchronous communication process, a series of tools are required to enable communication in real time. For this, the interlocutors must, in addition to having the tool itself and the technological support, be online at the same time, regardless of the distance that separates them.

To do this, we found three main tools through which to establish synchronous communication. These are: instant messaging, chat, and video or audio calls.

1. Instant messaging

This is one of the first forms of text-based real-time communication between people. Through the use of devices connected to an internet network, instantaneous communication between two or more people is allowed through a written language.

In addition, with the latest advances and updates, this system also allows communication through voice messages and the exchange of images, documents, links and audiovisual information.

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2. chat

The appearance of chat rooms within different virtual platforms meant a revolution in the communication dynamics between people. These live virtual communication spaces represent a meeting space between two or more people in which to share all kinds of information.

Over the years, these spaces have specialized and, currently, we can find chat rooms or communication platforms of this type organized thematically and that allow the exchange of information specific.

3. Video calls and audio calls

In addition to traditional audio calls, video calls or video conferences make possible a live two-way communication, with the characteristics of an oral communication or conversation since that includes visual and auditory information, and without the restrictions that distance implies.

What advantages and disadvantages does it present?

Despite the fact that this type of communication has great advantages, hence the scope of its popularity, its misuse can lead to a series of inconveniences. Among the advantages and disadvantages of synchronous communication we find:

1. Advantages

The main advantages are the following.

• It allows us to generate communication or dialogue with other people no matter where they are, which enables instant communication at an international level.
• Allows the conservation of the interaction file
• It makes it possible to store the visual or auditory information exchanged.
• Enables teamwork without people having to meet in the same place.
• It is a meeting space and facilitates interaction between people with the same interests.

2. Disadvantages

Among the disadvantages associated with synchronous communication.

• In the case of written communication, the lack of context or the inability to perceive the other person's tone can lead to misunderstandings or confusion.
• Lack of interaction rules or lack of consideration can lead to saturation of the person. Which you may feel compelled to answer at all times.
• Requires constant updating as technologies advance
• It can generate dependency and need to keep in touch with others.