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Textual intercourse: The pros and cons of digital communication
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I remember hearing in college that communications was the only area that constantly changes over time (thus making it a secure field work-wise). It feels like only yesterday when people considered adding text messaging to a phone plan "Some Baller Sh*t". It's now 2009 and digital communication (Instant messaging, email, social networking) have become mainstays in the ever evolving realm of communications. In some cases, a majority of people would prefer textual communication than the old fashion "Phone Talk". I dig what they mean, because texting/IM offers many advantages that phone or face-to-face conversation does not allow. Text also has its share of negatives. Flip the switch for the pros and cons of the 'Text vs Phone" conversations:
Pro: Conversation Control Talking via Instant Messenger and text allows for easy conversation control. With phone or face to face communication, dead air becomes an instant conversation killer. People may take offense to this, or feel like you are disinterested in the topic at hand (or disinterested in speaking to them), when sometimes you just DON'T have anything to say! Text offers you the luxury to remain silent. A simple "Brb" will suffice and clear up any confusion. Usually, your friends attribute silence to other occurrences on the other side of the screen and give you that pass You can actually THINK of what you say before you type. For example, if a significant others asks a difficult question or your opinion on a particular subject, you can actually formulate an opinion and sound intelligent then a lot of "Ums and hmms" talking on a phone. This generates more efficient conversation
CON: Incorrectly Interpreted Emotions can lead to conflict When you read anything (stories, newspapers, etc), you hear the words in a certain tone. We're human, it's what we do. This is a BIG problem with text conversations: Usually your preconceived notions about the tone and context of the words you read will force you to place emotion into words that may be unwarranted. Think of this sentence: I didn't tell her that your breathe stank. Now, depending on which word you emphasize.. it can mean 10 different things!! Say the sentence stressing the word "YOUR" then try it with "I", and you'll see what I mean. This had led to many an argument and misunderstanding, especially on my end. You have to watch what you type and allow for ambiguity in interpretation (easier said than done). Be prepared for follow questions to borderline things you type. Have a good explanation. CONFESSION: I have dissed people online and later retracted it if they interpreted it the way I truly meant it to read. It felt good to type and I sat here with a BIG smile on my face apologizing, which they couldn't see. Felt good. I know, I know... but I'm human. SUE ME!! LMAO
PRO: Multitasking You can type a paper, watch TV, grab a bite to eat, talk to a live person, and update your Facebook page all while texting an individual. It allows you to focus on more things without disrupting the flow of conversation, which phone conversations may not allow to occur as seamless as text. People assume you are performing multiple tasks, so as long as you remain diligent with your responses and proper IM Etiquette, no misunderstandings occur.
CON: Improper IM Etiquette I'm not asking you to know the history of computing or write a thesis paper on threaded SMS messaging, but poor IM etiquette sucks. If you leave the computer, brbs and away messages go a long way in avoiding unnecessary headaches. I hate having a serious conversation online, and the person disappears for 3 minutes, only to profoundly proclaim: "My bad, I stepped away". Unacceptable. Putting up an away, changing your GChat color to red, or typing "BRB" or "TTYL" takes a second. Exceptions only for people working though. Also, you are officially a fossil if you don't know common text language, or smileys. Asking what "LOL" means, like really? lolol!
CON: The "whoops" effect Have you ever texted ( pronounced TEXTnot text-ed-ed-ed-ed!) or instant messaged someone saying some reckless sh*t when suddenly, a random window pops up, and then you press enter? Someone, unbeknown to them, now knows the entirety of your personal conversation....and God FORBID it was about them!!!! :-X. You better work on your negotiation skills or bribery style! Fellas, I've also heard too many stories from our ladies about yall texting them when its meant for another chick. I'm sorry but if you do dirt, you gotta make sure you're clean. Once again, unacceptable!
PRO: The Ability To Ignore When you don't want to speak to someone, or want to convey a message, we have the infamous AWAY message! This has been a saviour to many people. You can popup a quick away message and still speak to whomever you like! It beats the hell out of "ignoring calls" Also, allows you to use the excellent excuse "I didn't get your IM, sorry" lmao! You can also go invisible when you don't want to speak with certain people but choose not to block them. Technology, you gotta love it!
CON: What you say WILL be used against you Well... unlike a phone conversation where what you say can be forgotten with selective amnesia, TEXT convos can be SAVED! Don't think your friends don't have at least ONE IM conversation you 2 have had saved on their computers! Be very careful what you say because its easy to get caught out there!!
CON: E-Thuggin My biggest issue with text conversation lies with people who thug online. Whether its subliminal statuses, away messages, or emails, people who aren't built as thugs gain the courage to talk greasy online, KNOWING that the same wouldn't occur face-to-face. Especially in this era, people do alot of trash talking online. These textual bitch moves run rampant on the World Wide Web, and as textual conversations continue to evolve, we will deal with this issue in different shapes and forms. My advice is to call out those e-thugs, and if you are an e-thug, take ownership of your words ad prepare to back them up if someone wants to see you on your comments in person.
What are some of your pros/cons of textual conversation? Is talking on the phone a lost art? Let me know!
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