My first negative experience with texting came when I called an acquaintance, left her a message to call me back and she sent a text saying, “What’s up?” I called her again and there was no answer. But she answered with another text message that quickly popped up and repeated, “What’s up?” I text her back and said, “I want you to call me.” Needless to say, a few months later, I realized that this friendship wasn’t going anywhere because this individual chose texting to show me exactly how she felt about our relationship.
Texting, instant messages, emails, etc. have become the new forms of communication but are they replacing face-to-face communication? I would have to say yes. Technology is a wonderful thing but, again, where do we draw the line when it comes to human development and maintaining our social skills?
Texting plays an important role in our society today, but are we intellectual enough to understand the ramifications of the long-term effects that continual texting may have on our ability to connect with one another? Texting obviously has many great benefits such as convenience. It saves time. It allows you immediate contact. And it allows you to multitask.
But this technology has a negative side. One of the most prevalent is safety. It can be a distraction while multitasking. Driving while texting has caused numerous car accidents. And let’s not forget the rash of miscommunications that can occur because of the new text lingo and the fact that it is so impersonal.
Let’s be honest. Texting has become an escape for many people. It does alleviate some social anxieties. But at the same time, I believe those feelings and emotions are there because you have to learn to develop your strengths and overcome your weaknesses in order to become the great person that dwells inside you.
I’m still an old fashioned kind of girl. If I were asked out on a date by a man via text, I would completely ignore his invitation simply because I believe that if you are looking to make an impression on me, I want to see it in your eyes. You can’t see those in a text. I can’t see a face.
When you are speaking with someone face to face, there’s a lot that you can read from that person. If he or she doesn’t really care for you, there will be signs and clues that you can pick up from their body language and facial expressions. Eye contact, which is critical, cannot be seen in a text and none of the other clues are there either.
In the times that we live in, I would like to believe that you want to know whom you’re speaking with, and whether or not they are being honest and sincere with you. Face-to-face interaction is extremely important for positive and healthy development.
There is a reason why we were made to connect with one another. According to a study done at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, research indicates that hugging can actually lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, strengthen our immune system, increase oxytocin (particularly in women) which can reduce stress by decreasing levels of cortisol (the fight or flight hormone), help decrease pain, increase hemoglobin levels, stave off potential senility in those over 70, and even save lives.
A text can’t give you a hug. It can’t bring that healing touch that we crave daily. So, if you ask me whether I would opt for a face-to-face communication instead of texting, my answer would always be yes. I believe this is why we were created. You could never replace the warmth of a hug and a smile that face-to-face communication provides, through a text message.
