I used my ancient flip phone up until around a year-and-a-half ago. People knew that if they texted me I probably wouldn't be able to see it, and definitely would not text back. So, they called. With my iPhone they know that if I text them back, it might be in a day or two. So, they call.
I've never been able to get the whole text exchange thing. I mean, I have a phone...you have a phone...why are we typing back and forth instead of talking?
I know I’ll be seen as a relic from a distant past when I say this, but-texting is a really crappy form of communication.
Sure if you need to convey something simple like where and when to meet, texting is perfect. If you want your message to have any context, meaning, or emotion, minimal characters on a small screen just doesn’t work.
And text “conversations” are just ridiculous.
This is one case where technology has given us a path that too many people use to go backwards.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/20/2021 04:21PM by CrispingPin.
It's the least direct form of communication - sort of a buffer against the anxiety of actual contact with a (egads) living human being. I mean, peeps be scary, maan.
(Plus, awesome avoidance tactic in the elevator -- bury your face in the phone, tapping like mad.)(Mutter some, and they move to the far end.)
It's a hypothesis
(Me, have copied "whazzzaaaaaap" and then quick-paste it to any text received. No complaints. Seems to work fine.)
elderolddog Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I just respond with random emojis, never any > words. ===============================
Phone calls are intrusive. They interrupt whatever you are doing. they've always been intrusive, but in the past, the only alternative was not to make the call at all.
Texts don't interrupt what you are doing. Well, they do, but at least you have the "not right now" option available.
But yeah, conversations via text are absurd. By the second volley, I just call the person. A ten text exchange to figure out where to have lunch is .........
Sometimes there's that person you need to communicate with who can't help but go into every excruciating detail... and you just don't have the interest.
Me too. I don't know why I find talking on the phone so uncomfortable. I tend to get jumbled and anxious.
I do my best to avoid talking on the phone whenever possible. I don't call to make an appointment for my seasonal tire change. I drive to the garage to make an appointment in person.
Texting gives me time and space to process my thoughts and put them into words without the stress and pressure of having to speak them into a machine in real time.
I do both. Texting allows people to respond when they are able. I can also conduct a text conversation while I am working. If I have a lot of information to convey, or just want to hear someone's voice, I call.
We don't get too many spam calls. I don't know why that is. My wife uses a cell phone but we have a land line primarily for calls to England which are included in our charge sol we can speak for as long as we wish.
I like the "think time" afforded by email, text, private messaging. I can edit, clarify, delete if I've said something stupid.
I like the efficiency. Get to the point. I'm not a small-talker except with a few close friends and relatives.
I don't think digital communication will ever entirely replace IRL conversations but it allows flexibility. Long winded types can choose not to text. Introverts can rely on emojis.
All other forms of relating info have been similarly criticized.
Printed books? Now every low class person in the world will be able to read! Grrrr. Television? We'll thwart our kids imaginations! They're not getting enough exercise. Their attention spans are shortening. Computers? Everyone will forget how to do math! They'll take over the world. Etc.