Empathy in Digital Age
What is empathy ? Empathy is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another. So what does empathy have to do with the digitalisation of the world , the digital age has consumed everything and everyone in its own world with people from every age or background using and trying to keep up with the latest technology creations. So what is digital empathy. Digital empathy is being able to understand the feelings of your customers as they interact with your online messages and touchpoints. Understanding these feelings and needs helps teams get to know their customers better. Digital empathy as a new concept calls for further research to explore these connections and better understand how to foster social, emotional, and cognitive skills with digital devices in the classroom. While they are very closely related, digital empathy is different from empathy. Because of the virtual interaction involved with digital empathy, the cues used to pick up on your customer’s feelings aren’t the same. In addition, the way you express digital empathy is altered. In person, you can pick up on body language and other nonverbal cues to understand how the person you’re talking to is feeling. And, when you are in the same room with someone you also get direct verbal communication about how they are feeling–good, bad, and ugly. But, when you aren’t face-to-face, you can’t rely on these traditional cues. Not only do you get different ‘cues’ during online interactions, but as mentioned the way you respond is also altered when it comes to digital empathy. In traditional face-to-face settings, you can easily express empathy to your customer through verbal communication, body language, and nonverbal communication. For example, as someone is expressing their frustration with the problem they’re experiencing, you can empathetically nod your head in understanding. When they’re excitedly telling you about success, you can smile and show enthusiasm with your eyes. But with digital interactions these cues and the ability to respond don’t exist in the same way. So how do you first understand what your audience is feeling? How do you get insight into the problem they need to solve? And, how do you then show prospects and customers that you’re listening? That you get it? And how do you get the information to do all of this? It all starts with data! The first step in expressing digital empathy and humanizing online interactions is gathering the right data. Digital empathy leans on comprehensive, consistent data. With the right program and process, you can gather data from each of your touchpoints. This leads to a better understanding of your customer, how they are feeling, and how you can respond in a personalized, uniquely helpful way. But there’s more. Data unlocks hidden insights into your customers’ pain points that often go overlooked. Knowing your customers’ pain points is marketing 101. It’s critical you speak to specific pain points and let them know you get it. Then you can pinpoint a solution specified to their needs. When you express how your product or service can solve their exact problem, you’re cutting through the noise, connecting with them, and probably closing a sale. There are many benefits of expressing digital empathy to your customers and prospects. And, as digital marketing and online interactions grow, it will become more important to master the art of digital empathy. There are four benefits of using digital empathy: Build and nurture relationships , personalize and humanizw online interactions , meet your customers where they are , differentiate your brand from competitors. There are many ways to express digital empathy. Some of the benefits mentioned show how this can be accomplished. But here are some other tips for expressing digital empathy: Align marketing and sales teams around messaging , personalize messages and conversations , respond promptly. My final conclusion is that having empathy enables us to build those social connections. To feel connected to others is hugely important for our optimal wellbeing. It is the very basis of human relationships and helps us to feel valued, loved, and cared for.. Being connected to others is good for our mental wellbeing. Empathy is important in our social life , workplace and in a digital environment, where communications can be cold and distant, leaders must strive to understand the needs and perspectives of their team. Empathy allows them to put themselves in others’ shoes, recognize their concerns, and adapt their leadership approach accordingly.