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 emergence 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 its fundamental characteristics, the main media or communication platforms that allow it, and the advantages and disadvantages it presents.

What is synchronous communication?

By synchronicity we understand the coincidence in time of two or more events. If we apply this concept to communication between people we obtain 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 invest during communication.

Although, at first, it may not be a new concept (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 area, 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 dialogue, exchange information, debate. 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 may come to mind is telephone conversations With the invention of the telephone, around 1860, the synchronous communication revolution began. Since, despite physical distance, two people can maintain a live exchange of information. That is, synchronously.

However, with the arrival 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

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 agree on 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, given that we are in a context of virtual communication, the greatest example of this type of information exchange that exists today is email.

What applications does it have?

In addition to the applications of synchronous communication in people’s daily lives, thanks to which contact with anyone in real time is possible, this form of communication can be really useful in educational and even work contexts.

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

Through the use of internet networks, platforms, tools or virtual applications The exchange of ideas and information is facilitated. Which, used well, 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 that enable communication in real time. To do this, the interlocutors must, in addition to having the tool itself and the technological support, be connected at the same time regardless of the distance that separates them.

To do this, we find 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 real-time communication between people based on text. Through the use of devices connected to an Internet network, instant communication is allowed between two or more people through 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

2.Chat

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

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

3. Video calls and audio calls

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

What advantages and disadvantages does it present?

Although this type of communication has great advantages, hence the extent of its popularity, its misuse can lead to a series of drawbacks. Among the advantages and disadvantages of synchronous communication we find:

1. Advantages

The main advantages are the following.

2. Disadvantages

Among the disadvantages associated with synchronous communication.