In the early days of the internet, email was the reigning king of online communication. These days, however, there are a myriad of different ways to stay in touch with others online – some of which are far more efficient and user-friendly than email. Here are five popular alternatives to email that are worth considering:
1. Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are great for staying in touch with friends and family. With social media, you can easily share updates, photos, and thoughts with your loved ones without having to compose a lengthy email. What’s more, social media is perfect for staying up-to-date on what’s going on in your friends’ and family members’ lives.
2. Messaging Apps
If you need to communicate with someone in real-time, messaging apps are a great alternative to email. Platforms like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Snapchat allow you to instantly send messages, files, and even make voice and video calls. Plus, with messaging apps, you can easily create group chats so you can stay in touch with multiple people at once.
3. Voice and Video Calling
For even more real-time communication, you can’t go wrong with voice and video calling. Services like Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts make it easy to connect with others no matter where they are in the world. And, with the advent of virtual reality, these platforms are only going to become more immersive and realistic.
4. Collaboration Tools
If you need to collaborate on a project with others, there are a number of great online collaboration tools available. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides allow multiple users to work on the same document at the same time, and Trello is perfect for project management. With collaboration tools, you can easily stay on top of deadlines and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
5. Online Forums
If you’re looking for a more asynchronous way to communicate with others, online forums are a great option. These platforms provide a space for people to discuss common interests, ask questions, and give and receive advice. What’s more, many online forums also allow you to upload files and images, making them a convenient way to share information.
Email may have been the original way to communicate online, but it’s definitely not the only way. If you’re looking for alternatives to email, be sure to consider one of the options above.
