Hi readers it’s William here on modern communication.

I’ve been thinking about how different communication is today than when I was growing up in the 70’s and 80’s.

Today we are surrounded by technology connecting us to each other instantly through things like texting, WhatsApp, mobile calls, Facebook, emails, Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and much more.

It’s amazing that just over 30 years ago most of us only had a landline, and were lucky to have a computer. How did we communicate with each other, or arrange to meet friends for a night out? Also, how did businesses communicate? Just think, there was no internet to buy things online. If you wanted to send a message you would either have to write a letter or use the landline!

Yet people did meet their friends and still got business done. I also think people were probably much healthier by not spending so much time on their ‘gadgets’.

I use a mobile to text my friends and work colleagues. At People First Dorset we have a volunteer WhatsApp group to remind everyone what events are on and to request volunteers for events. It works well and I’m good at using it. I also message my friends by WhatsApp or text to meet up or ask how their day was, as it’s a quick way of communicating. I think we should only message others at sociable times in the day, not late at night!

It can be hard for some people to learn to text. I found it ok but one of my friends who’s just started, is finding it harder. Luckily a friend is helping him.

Last thought, I wonder how many people are addicted modern communication? I’d love to hear if you think you could you manage without your computer or phone for a week!

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by The Friendship Club– a project for adults with learning disabilities, run by People First Dorset