Abstract

The rapid evolution of technologies has brought about virtual communication that stimulates the traditional face-to-face communication. Though there is agreement on its high benefits of virtual communication as it overcomes the limitation of time and space, there is contention on whether it serves as a substitute or will eventually erode the place of face-to-face communication. This paper therefore, provides a literature review of virtual communication. It highlights its benefits, challenges and ethical issues as compared to face-to-face communication. The study is anchored on media richness theory and technology determinism theory. The paper argues that virtual communication is a rich form of communication as it offers both synchronous and asynchronous that can meet different communication tasks and also improves human life. However, it cannot eliminate the role of face-to-face conversation as some human needs cannot be meant virtually.

Key Words: Virtual Communication; Face-To-Face Communication; Media Richness; Technology Determinism; Communication Technologies.

About the Author

*Omafume Oritsegbemi is a doctoral student of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. Her research interest is in media studies, creative industries and new media.

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 2023, pp. 111-117.

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

Article Citation

Oritsegbemi, O. (2023). Benefits, challenges and ethical issues in virtual communication. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 15 (2): 111-117.

Full Article

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