Email has become a big part of our daily routine. Most people feel a lost if they did not get to check their mail inbox for a day. But the availability of access to emails via mobiles have ease the cravings. Social media creates another diversion from the crave of having to access emails. But social media are seen as an informal form of communication, not to be taken as formal nor official.When email started they too were seen as informal form of communication, not as formal as written mails, typed or hand written. So all official communication still need things in 'black and white'. So must so in early days of email adoptions email still need to be printed to qualify as formal and in 'black and white'.
Now emails are considered formal and official especially properly signed. Email do carry new form of writing ethics..it is speedy, making cc to multiple recipient more efficient and cheaper. Introduction of emoticons tried to make emails more humane and personal. The technology also make it easy to make personal email become public, sending to wrong person more common, office and work story leaked to wrong people.
But without doubt an important digital technology contribution to businesses, education, social, government, politics, research, journalism, broadcasting and communication ever.
Here is an interesting inforgaphy on email. Enjoy!
Hamid
