Advantages & Disadvantages of Email Over Traditional Post Offices

As communication technology continues to advance, people are becoming more and more accustomed to instant information. Prior to e-mail, the post office was the primary way to send a letter. Today, mailing a traditional letter -- also known as snail mail -- is becoming more obsolete. E-mail allows you to contact anyone in an instant from anywhere, but that doesn't mean the post office has run its course.

The main advantage of using e-mail is that it eliminates the need to go to the post office. With an e-mail account, you can send a message instantly, without standing in a long post office line. However, e-mail has its limitations. Messages, pictures and documents can all be sent through e-mail, but you cannot send a package through your e-mail account.

E-mail is more environmentally friendly than sending a traditional letter at the post office. E-mails are sent electronically, eliminating the need for paper. The less paper used, the less trees need to be destroyed. E-mail can also be cheaper in the long run than buying stamps to mail letters. In order to send an e-mail, you will need a computer with an Internet connection. However, some local libraries will allow you to use their computers for free. You can also send an e-mail on your phone if it has Internet access.

You must have an Internet connection to send e-mail. If for any reason you no longer have access to the Internet, you will not be able to access your e-mail account. You can lose Internet connection due to a crashed computer, a power outage or missed monthly service payments. However, a sturdy Internet connection will allow you to send a message 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The post office is not open year round, and closes between certain hours of the day.

E-mail allows you to send the same message to multiple people at the same time, regardless of where they live. If one wanted to send the same letter to multiple people from a post office, they would have to send -- and write -- each letter separately. However, some people still prefer receiving a traditional letter as compared to an e-mail. Traditional letters have more of a personal touch than an e-mail does. If this personal touch doesn't matter to you -- or the person you're sending it to -- e-mail is the way to go.