In today’s world of constant communication via email and social media apps, I’ve noticed a growing trend that I believe needs to be addressed: the lack of transparency in how messages are created and delivered. I strongly believe that every message, whether it’s an email or a direct message on social media, should clearly indicate who or what is behind it.

If a message is written by a human, it should be signed or marked as such. If it’s an automated message, it should be clearly labeled as automated. And if a bot generates the message, that should be stated outright. Beyond that, if a message is sent to multiple recipients, it should be clear about the scale of its distribution. For instance, if it’s a general message sent to thousands of people, it should state that upfront. On the other hand, if it’s a targeted message sent to a select group, the size and nature of that group should be disclosed

Why does this matter? Because deceptive communication practices—like making a message sound personal when it’s not—are frustrating and misleading. I’ve experienced this particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, where messages are crafted to appear personalized but are clearly automated or based on superficial data from my profile. These messages often lead to awkward interactions, where the person behind the account eventually reveals that they weren’t the original communicator, but rather someone who took over after I responded.

A recent example of this was someone reaching out to me about transferring a 401k after leaving a job. As someone who is well-versed in this area and has even coached others through the process, it became clear after some back-and-forth that the initial message was just a standard pitch. When the conversation got deeper, the person on the other end became reluctant to share information, likely because they realized I was not a typical prospect but rather someone who understood the nuances of the topic.

The point I’m making is simple: if you’re sending a message—whether it’s a letter, email, or direct message—be upfront about what kind of communication it is. If it’s personal, sign it. If it’s automated, label it. If it’s a general message sent to a wide audience, state how wide that audience is. And if it’s a targeted message, be clear about who’s being targeted and why.

Honesty in communication builds trust. There’s nothing wrong with sending automated messages, general announcements, or targeted pitches, as long as it’s clear what you’re doing. Deception, on the other hand, only breeds frustration and erodes credibility. Let’s push for transparency in all our communications and stop the pretense of personalization when it’s not there.

Here are some suggestions to help expand, humanize, and add helpful context to one’s writing on the importance of transparency in digital communication:

1. Introduction of Personal Experience: Begin with a personal anecdote that highlights a specific instance where you encountered a lack of transparency. This can set the stage for the discussion and make the issue more relatable. Example:
   “Recently, I received what appeared to be a personalized invitation to a professional webinar. After a heartfelt response expressing my interest and asking some specific questions, I was met with silence. Days later, a generic follow-up arrived, revealing the initial message was automated—no human had ever read my response. This experience left me feeling undervalued and misled.”
2. Data and Research: Incorporate data or research to support your argument. Statistics on how consumers feel about automated versus human communication can provide a factual basis for your points. Example:
   “A survey by XYZ Research found that 70% of consumers feel frustrated when they realize a message is automated after believing it was written by a human. This disconnect can lead to a decrease in trust and brand loyalty.”
3. Expert Opinions: Adding quotes from experts in communication or digital ethics can lend authority to your article. These could be from academics, industry leaders, or psychologists. Example:
   “Dr. Jane Smith, a professor of digital communication at ABC University, argues, ‘Transparency in messaging doesn’t just respect the recipient’s intelligence; it respects their time and emotional investment as well.’”
4. Practical Tips: Offer practical tips for businesses or individuals on how to maintain transparency in their digital communications. Example:
   “For businesses, simply adding a footnote that says ‘This message was generated automatically’ can go a long way in maintaining transparency. For individual communications, using clear personal sign-offs can help clarify the nature of the message.”
5. Broader Implications: Discuss the broader implications of transparency in digital communications on society and interpersonal relationships. Example:
   “In a world where digital communication is ubiquitous, the clarity of message origination not only prevents misinformation but also preserves the fundamental human aspect of communication—trust. Without it, the foundation of our digital interactions becomes as volatile as the technology itself.”
6. Call to Action: End with a call to action, encouraging readers to advocate for and practice transparency in their own digital communications. Example:
   “As we navigate our increasingly digital lives, let us champion the cause of transparency. Whether you’re crafting a corporate newsletter or replying to a tweet, remember the power of being clear and honest about who you are and why you’re reaching out. Let’s rebuild trust in our digital corridors, one message at a time.”

Cheers,
Gage Gorman