by Carol Henrichs

Created on: October 02, 2009

Email is such a widely applied-communication tool, that it is difficult to imagine life without it. Email is quick, efficient, and readily accessible. It is communication's answer to instant gratification, with the speed and efficiency of the telephone, but without the frustrating experience of playing 'phone tag' when trying to reach someone that isn't available to answer the phone. Email can be sent and received at any time of day or night, to or from any time zone.

Countless families now stay in touch via email, rather than composing a written letter and waiting weeks for an answer.

Using email saves the cost of a stamp and stationery, as well as the time to run to the post office or nearby mailbox to mail a letter. It is always legible and easily read even when typed with the most modest typing skills.

An email can be the vehicle for sending documents, photographs, or music videos, and other information. Whether applying for a job with an attached resume, writing a letter to a loved with a photo album attached, or just keeping up with friends, using email has proven to be an effective method of communication. Rarely does an email get 'lost in the mail.' While computer glitches are always possible, they are somewhat rare.

In addition to sharing, emails can also be stored and easily organized. Individual correspondence can be filed by sender, location, date and time, or by any number of other methods, depending on the email provider. Once stored, retrieving information contained in an email is a simple task. While there is no search function in life, a computer can search vast amounts of information quickly, even if only a few key words are known.

Because of the ability to contact multiple individuals, email can enhance business applications, maximizing efficiency. Materials can be emailed in advance of a meeting. Or some face-to-face meetings could even be eliminated.

Email has influenced political campaigns. It is useful for fundraising for non-profit organizations.

There is a negative side. Email can be undesirable, but there are far more good emails than bad.

Not all emails are positive, nor is all the information contained in them true and correct. Emails can contain a multitude of jokes, inspirational messages, chain letters, marketing missives, and spam as they spread across cyberspace at warp speed. But emails can be deleted.

Some misinformation is intentionally sent to would-be political allies or other influence-peddling organizations.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>