I've realized the same thing sort of, which is why now I choose to message people via facebook as opposed to texting. I had to change my texting plan so I only get 500 a month, and something I have so much to say that it counts as 2-3 texts. And then sometimes I'll get a text just saying LOL (which I hate) and then a follow up text or two, so it starts to pile up really fast.
Exactly. And it gets frustrating when you get a "LOL" or a ":P" in response. I've taken up facebooking as well for that reason alone (it's easier to stay in touch). Though, again, with something like FB there's a whole bigger pressure of presenting yourself truthfully (or at least the way you want to be presented).
See now this is something I'm curious to hear from everyone else. Like I've always been shy and quiet so texting makes it easier to communicate. But in recent years I've felt like there are certain things that need to be said on done in person, so I'd try to make sure I see the person face to face before I even try to text or call them. Like I feel its easier to see what's really on a person's mind, just based on their initial reaction.
Absolutely! (Especially so after this week, far as I'm concerned). Initial reactions in face-to-face interactions are much more "true". Because of that there is an element of pressure in responding ASAP to, say, a text or an online post. The problem, however, is still that despite that turnaround for someone who's shy, the written word is more thought-out and allows for a more appropriate conversation, especially if the other person is shy as well. I think it all boils down to expressing ourselves, and as unfortunate as it has become, that demand of immediacy in a face-to-face conversation has definitely become present in texts or online-messaging.
There was this one girl that I was messaging back and forth for a while and we seemed to really hit it off. But then suddenly she stopped responding so I thought something was wrong. But then I saw her in person and it was like nothing changed. But then she still wouldn't even respond to me anymore. It took me a year to catch her by surprise to find out what was up only to get so many excuses that she only made because she didn't have time to prepare a better one. So for that, I feel like texting has hurt communication a little since we get extra time to plan what we want to which can definitely be a good thing, but also a bad thing at the same time.
I'm at the point when she's stopped responding
And this close to the new years? Damn I'm almost WISHING my semester would begin so I can see her and talk to her again.
But really, that came out wrong. What I mean is like others have said, it becomes a distraction. Like my sister usually calls and I hate it because she's so busy complaining about her problems and yelling at her kids or asking me to search for something online, which means I have to stop what I'm doing just for her. I really hate it when I'm about to eat and someone calls so I can't really eat without sounding like I'm mumbling. Its just easier to multi task when you don't have to fully concentrate on what someone is saying in your ear and figuring out a way to respond.
A friend of mine (different friend) was saying the same thing the other day. And I think this is one of those things that makes online-messaging a better option.
I'm usually the one cutting phone-conversations short.
I wonder if people faced the same problems in olden times, y'know, when actual letters were still in vogue?
I've come out of my shell a lot in recent years. I don't have as much of a problem introducing myself to new people as I used to, but I'd still rather introduce myself via text or IM or whatever and have follow-up conversations in person.
For me it's usually the opposite. Introductions in the real world, elaborate discussions over written messages. The text medium is utterly failing me in that regard!
