Whether I am conversing with a person one on one, talking with a group, Facebooking, or texting, listening is required. It is a skill that can be honed and refined. Without listening skills there can be no effective communication.
Recently I was Facebooking and said something that drew fire. You know what I mean. Of course all listening skills are not the same. Facial expressions, energy, tones of voice, body language are not part of listening on Facebook or in text. All of these cues are not available on FaceBook or texting. Listening is based on words only. The sender’s ability to express clearly in writing is paramount. Sender and Receiver are at a disadvantage unless the sender is good at written expression, and the listener is a really good reader.
When we have no cues in FaceBook as we do face to face it is very easy to misunderstand. Also many postings on Facebook move us into emotional spaces that can allow clear thinking to diminish. Getting ‘pissed off’ on Facebook or similar venues leads to rants and confrontation that typically lead to unsuccessful communication. So watch your emotions. And be kind to everyone, even people who have a different point of view.