The advantages of digital communication

Let’s start by recognising the benefits of digital communication. Connecting with friends, family and business contacts has never been easier, regardless of distance. Social media, instant messaging apps and video calls have allowed us to keep abreast of each other’s lives even when we are thousands of kilometres apart. This has made the world smaller and created opportunities for international cooperation and friendships.

The flip side of digitalisation.

Nevertheless, where there is light, there is also shadow. The downsides of digitalisation are not negligible: increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks, potential misuse of personal data, and a sometimes over-reliance on technology, to name a few. A striking example from my own experience is dealing with prospecting potential clients.

Warm leads are generated and forwarded through an automated funnel process, resulting in a scheduled appointment. The customer confirms the appointment, but then does not appear. A closer inspection of the digitalised process reveals a lack of human contact up to that point. While customers made efforts – navigating the website, filling in a contact form, receiving and replying to an e-mail with possible appointment dates, and receiving reminders – all worked out perfectly, didn’t they?

Generatie Z (millennials) vs Generatie X.

It is important to recognise that digital communication is a valuable tool for connecting and communicating, but it cannot replace the full human experience. There is nothing like a genuine conversation with someone or a simple phone call to confirm a digitally made appointment in a human way. This personal approach can work wonders.

Millennials grew up with the rise of the internet and the first mobile phones. They have experienced the transition from the analogue to the digital world and learned how to use these technologies. As a result, they often use digital communication as a supplement to their face-to-face interactions, not as a replacement.

On the other hand, Generation Z individuals, born after the year 1996, have always taken the digital world for granted. They have grown up in a time when smartphones and social media are ubiquitous. For them, digital has become the norm, and they seem more willing to replace face-to-face meetings with digital communication, especially when it comes to friendships and relationships.

The best of both worlds.

The key to successful human interaction in the digital age lies in finding balance. We need to embrace digital communication as a convenient tool, but also spend time on face-to-face meetings and real conversations. This applies to both millennials and Generation Z. It may sometimes be necessary to consciously put down the phone, step away from the screen and invest in personal relationships.

If we find this balance, we can enjoy the benefits of the digital revolution without losing the value of human connection. Whether you belong to Generation Y or Z, let’s strive together for a world where we can build strong and meaningful relationships both online and offline. Because in the end, it is real people we do business with.