Bridging the communication gap between Generation Y and the Baby Boomer generation

Bridging the communication gap between Generation Y and the Baby Boomer generation Bridging the communication gap between Generation Y and the Baby Boomer generation

Interpersonal communication has changed since the inception of the internet. Face-to-face communication moved to computer-mediated communication. CMC users are mostly younger people such as Generation Y. They are comfortable with using digital interactive technologies for communication. The Baby Boomer generation, on the other hand, values face-to-face communication. The different ways of communication causes conflict between these two generations. The research question is: 'How can the generational communication gap between the Baby Boomer generation and Generation Y be closed in order to allow them to have meaningful interpersonal communication?' The research was done through a literature review within the cues-filtered-out approach, using the social presence theory. The conclusion is that the meaning of messages is often compromised in CMC because of the lack of nonverbal cues and social presence, however rather than not communicating, people should communicate via digital media to meet some of their relational needs.

Introduction

Communication is fundamental to human existence. Stewart stresses the notion that there is a link between quality of communication and quality of life. Human potential develops through close, supportive and interpersonal communication. Human beings are in essence relational thus in need of contact with other human beings. During interpersonal communication people make contact with others as persons, thus reinforcing their own humanness. Mutual communication means recognizing another human being's humanness in a world shared together. Meaningful interpersonal communication looks at how two people interact as a dyad treating each other as unique individuals who are irreplaceable. In other words they have an impact on each other's lives.

Whether one speaks of written or spoken communication; verbal or nonverbal communication; face-to-face or digital communication, the process of communication involves humans making meaning together. Face-to-face interactions allow people to communicate verbally and nonverbally - with spoken and body language. Communication does not, however, only occur face-to-face - telephone conversations, text or instant messages and participation on social networks suggest a personal connection with another person, although more through verbal cues.

The way people communicate interpersonally has changed through the ages. People used to communicate face-to-face or by writing letters. The latter was a slow process of communication, and because transport was a problem people could not communicate face-to-face every day seeing that they lived far apart. Only a limited number of people could be contacted in the mentioned ways. With the advent of telephonic communication, it became easier to contact more people more quickly. The development of transport systems and urbanization improved the opportunities for face-to-face communication, because people lived in closer proximity to each other and could reach each other more easily. However, computer-mediated communication changed the way people communicated even more - through the inception of the internet in general and of social networks in particular people have gained the ability to be in constant contact with others, quickly and easily.

The definition of interpersonal communication has thus changed because of the development of digital tools and technologies. Each technology changes how people communicate or interact. All technologies, however, have the notion of social interactions and connection in mind, but different generations use different technologies to communicate and they are not always appreciative of ways of communication different from what they are used to - this is especially true of communication between Generation Y and the Baby Boomer generation because Generation Y is the first digital generation and the Baby Boomers mostly use face-to-face communication. Generation Y comprises late adolescence and early adulthood, whilst the Baby Boomers are the parents, employers or lecturers and teachers of Generation Y. It is of the utmost importance that these two generations maintain good channels of communication because their paths are often interlinked and the two generations can give meaning to each other's lives. Unfortunately, these two generations regularly find themselves engaged in conflict due to generational differences, especially when it comes to the use of communication technologies.

Generation Y (born post nineteen eighty) is the first generation of so-called 'digital natives' who have grown up with highly interactive digital communication tools. Members of this generation often spend hours communicating with various people via the internet using, for instance, social media tools, mobile phones, Skype and instant messaging. The Baby Boomer generation on the other hand values face-to-face communication. They will send e-mails or phone another person if they cannot walk or drive to that person, but they will seldom resort to only instant messaging to fill their interpersonal communication needs. According to Glass differences, especially in their choice of communication media, can cause conflict between the two generations. The majority of Baby Boomers have a problem with the way Generation Y uses technology for work, play and studies, while Generation Y sees Baby Boomers as being resistant to new technology and change. It can thus be a challenge to get messages across in a meaningful way between these two generations. A lack of communication - or misunderstanding in communication - can have a direct bearing on a person's well-being. This phenomenon, specifically as it pertains to interpersonal communication between the Baby Boomer generation and Generation Y, is addressed here alongside a study of the literature available on the topic.

The main research question to try to alleviate the problem identified in the preceding discussion is: 'How can the generational communication gap between the Baby Boomer generation and Generation Y be closed in order to allow them to have meaningful interpersonal communication?' The research was done through a literature review within the cues-filtered-out approach, using the social presence theory. The premise of the author, who is a Baby Boomer, is that CMC often lacks enough appropriate non-verbal communication cues, preventing effective conveyance of emotions and attitudes to CMC messages, thus compromising the meaning of messages. The lack of social presence also adds to the issue of meaningful communication between generations.