Communication has changed enormously with the arrival, long ago, of new technologies . We no longer communicate in the same way, or by the same means, with the people around us (or who are far away from us).

This is the context of asynchronous communication, a type of communication where information is sent without any temporal coincidence between sender and receiver, for example via e-mail.

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

Asynchronous (vs. synchronous) communication

Asynchronous communication is a type of communication where the message between two or more people is sent in a delayed manner over 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-synchronic”), as far as temporality is concerned. This implies that the information is not sent and received simultaneously in time, but with a certain delay.

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

Specifically, these are concepts included in the so-called “Computer-Mediated Communication” (i.e., 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 new (current). Thus, as an example of traditional asynchronous communication, we find the letter by ordinary mail (post).

On the other hand, as an example of innovative asynchronous communication (i.e. in the field of new technologies and virtual communication), we find e-mail .

As we can see, in both cases the communication is delayed (i.e., it is not an instantaneous communication, and the moment in which the sender sends the message and the receiver receives it is different [does not coincide]).

Elements

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 sends the information being aware that the response, on the part of the receiver, will not arrive instantly.

2. Receiver

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

3. Canal

The next element of the 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 . The channel is important that it lasts over time, so that the information can be stored indefinitely.

4. Code

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

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

5. Situation or context

Finally, the situation or context of any communicative act is all those circumstances in which communication takes place (e.g. time, place, culture…).

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

Types

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; i.e. “one-to-one”). An example of this can be found in text messages (even though they are practically not used anymore).

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 website.

Advantages

What are the advantages of asynchronous communication? We can list these, especially in comparison with synchronous communication.

1. Simplicity

The first advantage that 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 needed to operate is less.

3. Software speed

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

Differences between asynchronous and synchronous communication

We saw, at the beginning of the article, what synchronous communication was all about. But, what makes the difference from asynchronous communication?

1. Simultaneity

First of all, in an asynchronous communicative act, there is no need for a response (let alone an immediate one); on the other hand, in the case of synchronous communication, it is necessary for the elements of the communicative act to function simultaneously, and in real time.

That is, in this second case, the receiver usually expects an answer (imagine talking to someone face to face and not getting an answer… it would be strange, wouldn’t it, or even in a chat room).

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

2. Time coincidence

In asynchronous communication, there is no time overlap between sender and receiver. With synchronous communication, however, the time match must exist for the communication to take place (the message is transmitted).

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

3. Transfer rate

The transfer rate is another difference between asynchronous and synchronous communication. Thus, it is slower in the case of asynchronous communication.

4. Simplicity

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

5. Efficiency and overload

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

Bibliographic references:

  • Arbeláez, M.C. (2014). Information and communication technologies (ICT) a tool for research. Investigaciones Andina, 16(29): 997-1000.

  • Cabero, J., Llorente, M.C. and Román, P. (2004). Communication tools in ‘blended learning’. Pixel-Bit. Revista de Medios y Educación, 23: 27-41.

  • Marcelo, C. and Perera, V.H. (2007). Communication and e-learning: didactic interaction in the new virtual learning spaces. Revista de Educación, 343: 381-429.