Whenever I need to understand what someone else is thinking, feeling or creating I suggest we have a sit down conversation. If that’s not possible I pick up the phone or set up a FaceTime or Skype call.
I’m not old school.
I simply know that computers and all of their offspring (text, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.) were never designed to replace talking. They were designed as a tool to 1) improve efficiency and 2) support new connections that previously did not exist. Over time technology has morphed into an incredible marketing tool and in many ways an expensive toy. But, no one can argue that being targeted by advertisers or playing a game online are forms of rich communication.
Given this is what I think, it’s not much of a surprise that I believe texts of any type are similar to leaving a note for someone or sending them a card in the mail: great at stating facts, not so great for sharing ideas.
When it comes to preferred methods of communication I consider text to be a step up from not being able to communicate at all. It’s a quick and efficient way to touch base, but that’s about it. Full disclosure, I even consider it to be a step down from passing notes during class. (Do kids still do this or do they just text one another?) Regardless, when a note has been passed or a text sent, at least the recipient can sneak a peak at the sender to see if they’re serious, joking, angry, or just fooling around. That reflex to sneak that peak, to better understand what’s going on, kind of says it all, doesn’t it?
Stay well,
Heike
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