Asynchronous communication: what is it and how does it differ from synchronous communication?

We analyze the characteristics of this type of communication linked to new technologies.

Communication has changed enormously with the advent, long ago, of new technologies.. We no longer communicate in the same way, or by the same means, with the people around us (or who are far away from us).

In this context, asynchronous communication appears, a type of communication where information is sent without the sender and receiver coinciding in time, for example through e-mail.

In this article we will learn what this type of communication consists of, what subtypes it has, some examples of it, what elements make it up, how it differs from synchronous communication and what advantages it has over the latter.

• Recommended article: "The 28 types of communication and their characteristics".

Asynchronous (vs. synchronous) Communication

Asynchronous communication is a type of communication where the message between two or more people is sent in a time-delayed manner (that is, when two people communicate through this type of communication, there is no time coincidence).

In fact, as the name itself indicates, there is no synchrony in this sense ("a-synchronous"), as far as temporality is concerned. This implies that the information is not sent and received simultaneously in time, but with a certain delay.

On the other hand, synchronous communication is where the exchange of information takes place in real time between the sender and receiver of the message. This concept (together with asynchronous communication), however, goes further, and is framed and specified within the communication through new technologies (e.g. Internet).

Specifically, these concepts are encompassed within the so-called "Computer Mediated Communication" (i.e., communication between people but through computers or technology).

Examples of asynchronous communication

In relation to asynchronous communication, we can find, broadly speaking, examples of two types: traditional and new (current). Thus, as an example of traditional asynchronous communication, we find the letter by ordinary mail (snail mail).

On the other hand, as an example of novel asynchronous communication (that is, in the field of new technologies and virtual communication), we find electronic mail.

As we can see, in both cases communication is deferred (i.e., it is not instantaneous communication, and the time at which the sender sends the message and the receiver receives it is different [does not coincide]).

Elements

The elements of asynchronous communication are, in fact, the same as those of any other type of communication. However, they have some specific characteristics, which we will see below.

1. Sender

The sender is the person who sends the message.. In the specific case of asynchronous communication, the sender sends the information knowing that the response from the receiver will not arrive instantaneously.

Receiver

The receiver in any type of communication is the person who sends the message to the addressee.. In this case, the recipient knows that he/she will only be able to read or view the message when accessing the specific channel through which it has been sent (e.g. e-mail).

3. Channel

The next element of communication is the channel; This is the physical medium known to both parties (sender and receiver) and through which the message is sent or transmitted.. It is important that the channel lasts over time, so that the information can be stored indefinitely.

4. Code

The next element, the code, like the channel, must also last over time. The code is the language used by both the sender and the receiver to enable communication..

Thus, it must be shared by all the parties involved in any communicative act. On the other hand, it must have a physical support in order to be able to store the transmitted information.

5. Situation or context

Finally, the situation or context of any communicative act are all those circumstances in which the communication takes place (e.g. time, place, time, place, time, place). (for example: time, place, culture...).

In the case of asynchronous communication, the availability of both sender and receiver is uncertain; this availability is of great importance, because it marks the context of the communicative act.

Types

What types of asynchronous communication exist (in the context of virtual communication or Internet communication)? According to Roberto de Miguel Pascual, author of "Fundamentals of Human Communication", there are two types of asynchronous communication.

1. Asynchronous user-to-user communication

In this case, the information or message is sent from a specific sender to a specific receiver (individually, i.e. "face to face"). An example of this can be found in SMS text messages (although they are hardly used anymore).

2. Asynchronous communication between multiple users

In this second type, the message is addressed to a group of people. An example would be a discussion forum on a certain web page.

Advantages

What are the advantages of asynchronous communication? We can list them, especially when compared to synchronous communication.

Simplicity

The first advantage we find in asynchronous communication is its simplicity; this means that synchronization between the two parties to the communication (sender and receiver) is not necessary for the message to be transmitted.

2. Economy

In the Internet field, if we compare synchronous communication with asynchronous communication, the latter has a lower cost, since it requires less hardware to operate.

3. Software speed

Finally, the software configuration that allows asynchronous communication is much faster than that required for other types of communications or transmissions.

Differences between asynchronous and synchronous communication

We have seen, at the beginning of the article, what synchronous communication consists of. But what is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous communication? what differentiates it from asynchronous communication?

Simultaneity

First of all, in an asynchronous communicative act, a response is not necessary (and even less immediate); on the other hand, in the case of synchronous communication, it is necessary that the elements of the communicative act work simultaneously, and in real time.

That is to say, in this second case, the receiver usually expects a response (imagine talking to someone face to face and not receiving an answer... it would be strange, wouldn't it, or even in a chat).

Thus, the first difference we find between these two types of communication is the simultaneity factor.

2. Time coincidence

In asynchronous communication, there is no temporal coincidence between sender and receiver. On the other hand, in synchronous communication, the temporal coincidence must exist for the communication to take place (the message is transmitted).

Thus, in the latter case, sender and receiver must coincide in time (for example in an instant chat).

3. Transfer speed

The transfer speed is another difference between asynchronous and synchronous communication. Thus, it is slower in the case of asynchronous communication.

4. Simplicity

On the other hand, asynchronous communication is simpler and also cheaper than synchronous communication.

5. Efficiency and overhead

Referring to the new technologies present (and required, in the context in which we are) in both types of communication, we can say that asynchronous communication is less efficient than synchronous communication, and also has a higher overhead.

Bibliographic references:

• Arbeláez, M.C. (2014). Information and communication technologies (ICT) a tool for research. Investigaciones Andina, 16(29): 997-1000.

• Cabero, J., Llorente, M.C. and Román, P. (2004). Communication tools in "blended learning". Pixel-Bit. Revista de Medios y Educación, 23: 27-41.

• Marcelo, C. and Perera, V.H. (2007). Communication and e-learning: didactic interaction in new virtual learning spaces. Revista de Educación, 343: 381-429.