Cyber Silence

I have come up with a new term that fits perfectly with today’s means of communication. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to the act of ‘cyber silence’.

In an age of supposed new and much improved communication systems due to the Internet, cyber silence can best be described as getting the cold e-shoulder. Let’s face it… Hiding behind e-mail by not responding takes a lot less effort than brainstorming ways to avoid someone’s phone call. And with e-mail, you can always pretend the spam filter caught it or somehow the message got lost out in cyber space. Accountability for good follow-up and reliability doesn’t have to be such a painstaking necessity. Isn’t cyber silence a great thing?!

I don’t share these thoughts as someone who practices cyber silence, but as a regular victim. I’ve noticed this in business more than anything. Be careful what you ask for in an e-mail. If you are attempting to make someone accountable for something, chances are that cyber silence will take its toll on you. Avoiding conflict is a common trait that many of us share, and the e-mail world has no corners to be backed into.

Please acknowledge that you have read and understood this blog by not commenting. I will take your silence to mean that we are on the same page. Let’s ensure that we are utilizing our technologically advanced communication channels to the fullest. Now silence!