We all have 'em. We use them for everything, keeping our dates together, to wake us up in the morning, a source of connection, all of our contacts, music, pictures, email, the Internet, and oh, don't forget the invention of text messages.
Over the last few years the cell phone has become huge, they do everything, give you directions, check facebook, horoscope, bank balance, a million friends to talk to or text, etc. But one of the older aspects of the cell phone, text messages or texting, if you will, impair our communication because so many things are missing by just reading a message.
Text messages were originally set up for quick questions and answers but today it's being way over used, mainly by the Y generation. I'll admit that I am one of them, I text quite frequently, up to 3,000 or 4,000 a month, so glad I have unlimited; tried that a 1,000 a month thing, ended poorly.
Text messages today have in a way taken time away from actual phone time. All my friends and others I have talked to have turned to quick messages verses a phone call. Which is great in a way, it's actually cheaper if you pay for unlimited messages. On the other hand it also causes language barriers.
Messages today are ineffective because many have started using them to communicate much more information that needs other non verbals to communicate the message effectively. I'm not saying that all text messages are not effective, by all means they are great for short quick questions, it's when people resort to text messages to discuss a matter that really needs to be given in person if not the phone. I've watched friends fight with their significant others through text messages across the room. When touchy subjects surface in text messages there is so much room for error.
For an effective message the following helps to convey the message that text messages are lacking:
-Body language, how is the person facing you, arms crossed or open, are they looking at you, can they look you in your eye?
-The Voice- is their tone cold and sarcastic, do they sound truthful, do they sound sincere, any signs of emotion?
-Message- clear and effective? Hidden meanings?
Let's be honest, there are so many times I'm texting friends and aren't sure how to take there response because their answer could be interpreted a million different ways. Were they being sarcastic? Was their a mild undertone? What was their response? But we don't have these types of hints, we only have those stupid :) or ;), :(, lol and haha to illustrate our mood. Not much help when your trying to decipher feelings.
Both body language and the overall tone are very critical for messages to be sent and received effectively. While most think it's not a big deal that texts lacks these parts because it makes everything less impersonal which also add to language barriers.
In situations when people are fighting, arguing, breaking up, anything with emotion there absolutely needs to be body language, a clear verbal message and serious tone. If not and maybe done through text messages it will only leave both parties lost and confused and once again hit with yet another a language barrier.
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I completely agree with this. It's so hard to tell is someone is being serious or trying to make a joke through texting; it's happened to me quite a few times.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point about the smiley faces to illustrate our moods, those do help. But it's so hard to tell if someone is joking, and I hate that! I mean, lol's and such help..but sometimes I even say that and don't mean it. I think texting should be for light conversation.
If someone is getting broken up with, arguing..etc, I don't think that's a language barrier, I think that crosses into a communication barrier, and moreso interpersonal communication. You know? I think there's obviously wrong with a situation if someone is getting broken up with, etc through a text message. I think that goes more into communicating in general. We might think it's easier, but then again, if you can't tell the attitude of that person..they could be kidding.
I like your blog though, and I like how anyone can relate to this piece.
I like your post Leah, I don't think people would consider text messaging to be a language barrier at first glance, however, I think it is a great example of a language barrier that has evolved in the past few years.
ReplyDeleteI think it is also important to consider that technology sometimes fails us and sometimes we think text messages were sent, but they weren't and that just ends a conversation or someone takes that as a way that you are mad at them.
Even though texting is a language barrier, I don't see it as something that will dissolve or get better anytime soon.