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

What is synchronous communication?

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

Although it may not be a new concept at first (since it is reminiscent of 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 characteristic of synchronous communication within the CMC is the time factor, which offers us the possibility of dialogue, exchange of 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 can come to mind is the telephone conversations . With the invention of the telephone, around 1860, the revolution of synchronous communication began. This is because, despite the physical distance, two people can maintain a live exchange of information. That is, in a synchronous way.

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

How does it differ 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 information exchange 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 post . However, given that we are in a context of virtual communication, the greatest example of this type of information exchange that exists today is that of e-mail.

What applications does it have?

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

Thanks to virtual communication platforms, students, teachers and colleagues can communicate and collaborate in a synchronous (or asynchronous) manner without spatial-temporal limitations.

By using internet networks, virtual platforms, tools or applications the exchange of ideas and information is facilitated. This, if well used, can be an advance in the way of learning and working.

Main technological tools

To be able to carry out a synchronous communication process, a series of tools are required to enable real-time communication. 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 this end, we find three main tools through which to establish synchronous communication. These are: instant messaging, chat and video-call or audio-call.

1. Instant Messaging

This is one of the first forms of real-time communication between people based on text. By using devices connected to an Internet network, it allows instant communication between two or more people 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 .

2. Chat

The appearance of chat rooms within different virtual platforms meant a revolution in the dynamics of communication 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 become more specialised and today we can find chat rooms or communication platforms of this type organised thematically and allowing the exchange of specific information.

3. Video and audio calls

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

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

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

Advantages

The main advantages are the following.

  • It allows us to generate communication or dialogue with other people regardless of where they are , which enables instant communication at an international level.
  • Enables the preservation of the archive of interactions
  • It allows the storage of the visual or auditory information exchanged.
  • It allows teamwork without people having to meet in the same place .
  • It provides a meeting place 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 tone of the other person may lead to misunderstandings or confusion.
  • Lack of interaction rules or lack of consideration can lead to saturation of the person. She may feel obliged to answer at all times.
  • Requires constant updating as technologies advance
  • Can generate dependency and need to keep in touch with others.