Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Talk or Text?

Personally and professionally e-mail is a primary form of communication for older adults. A new study by Pew Research Center suggests this is not the case for young people. Text messaging has surpassed face-to-face contact, e-mail, phone calls and instant messaging as the primary form of communication. Locally, GA. State University even uses texting as part of class participation in several courses.



Texting appears to be here to stay. In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of texting?

118 comments:

  1. ~ Katie H. (online)~

    I love talking, sometimes I really do talk to much. My mom would always ask me growing up if I just loved the sound of my own voice. Texting does nothing for me though, its to impersonal. However, I do text all the time. I feel like if I didn't text, I wouldn't stay very close in contact with friends.

    A positive to texting is its a fast and convenient way to communicate with friends and family. Another positive is its a great way to express yourself if your shy or if theres something you want to tell someone but your to afraid. The negative would be its very time consuming, a conversation through text can last 2-3 hours in the amount of time you could make a 30 minute phone call. Another negative is how impersonal it is, imy or ily is not the same as saying i miss you or i love you. Its lazy and doesnt feel like it has the same meaning at all. I guess texting every once in a while would be ok but everyday just gets to be to much, I think I honestly forgot how half of my friends sound.

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  2. KourtneyC- online!!!
    In response to Katie H. I do think texting is so impersonal and so does my elder's they Hate when I text; However it is taking over the world.

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  3. Kourtney C..ONLINE

    The cons to texting is that a simple text can be taken out of context!! You can not hear the persons voice tone or know if they are joking or not with you..I recommend not texting if its an heated situation...it is a good way to avoid extensive conversation and burning all you minutes away.
    My service provider gave me unlimted text..so now I text far more than talking on the phone.

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  4. Rachel Hudson Online

    I love to text! However, there are definitely pros and cons to it. One thing that I love about texting is that I am able to communicate to someone and have them reply at their convenience. Like if someone was in a meeting and I needed to ask them something but didn’t know when they were going to be out of the meeting I could send a text message to them and have a reply when that person was finished. What is bad about texting is that a main part of communication is body language. With texting it is very easy to take something the wrong way because you are not able to see what person and really have an understanding of what they are saying.

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  5. In response to Kourtney C..ONLINE

    I have to say that I agree with you. I have had fights before from texting. It can make you so mad and in the end you can end up calling someone or going to see them and everything is ok. All of it can sometimes seem to just be two people talking and taking things the wrong way. Then, when you talk to them in person or over the phone you realize that you should not really be having a fight because you are able to have an understanding of what is really going on. At least that has been my experience.

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  6. Rachel Hudson Online

    In response to Kourtney C..ONLINE

    I have to say that I agree with you. I have had fights before from texting. It can make you so mad and in the end you can end up calling someone or going to see them and everything is ok. All of it can sometimes seem to just be two people talking and taking things the wrong way. Then, when you talk to them in person or over the phone you realize that you should not really be having a fight because you are able to have an understanding of what is really going on. At least that has been my experience.


    Sorry I forgot to add my name....

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  7. LeQuise C-Online

    I love to text!! Its my new favorite thing. I like texting because its no pressure. If you send someone a text message you put the ball in their court to respond or not. I also like texting because you can be secretive to everyone else around you. You can send your partners like racy messages and no one but your partner will know the message, and you don't have to leave the room or talk really quiet. The cons for me would be that sometimes people use it to be a coward. When a person wants to break up with you, or tell you something that needs to be face to face they will use a text message. Somethings can only be said face to face. I have never been a type of person who likes to talk on the phone, so I am a proud texter!

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  8. Trevor B. - Online

    I think that the pros of texting are pretty much obvious. You can communicate with anyone from anywhere and get the message across without disrupting anyone around you the sender and the receiver. You can talk about someone in the same room as you to another person in the same room and that person would never know. You can pretty much tell an entire story without even opening you mouth or seeing the other person. But I think that the negatives are that some of the younger people will lose the face time aspect to communication. Which is extremely important, because I believe that if you do not get exposer and experience with face time with others than that can lead to becoming some what socially awkward in some instances.

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  9. Trevor B - Online
    In response to Kourtney C.

    I agree completely with you on the fact that a simple text can get over the wrong way. Without talking to the person the voice and facial expressions are no where to be found, and those play an important role in conversations.

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  10. Trevor B - Online
    In response to Rachel H.

    I agree with you that the aspect of texting has made it very verstile in the way people can respond whenever they want, or even if they don't want to.

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  11. Pros: It can be a convenient and efficient way to communicate with others, need I say more? What's not to love about that! I can imagine it is a Godsend for the hearing impaired too. But, it does have a few cons... Most importantly is all of the motor vehicle accidents that have been attributed to driving "intexticated." Another thing is that I am sure some of you out there have had a psycho for an ex that has abused the privilege. And a large number of texts can creep up on someone and before they know it - the bill is astronomical. Overall, it’s a really cool option for communication.

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  12. In response to Trevor B.

    You said something about texting and becoming socially awkward. It would be interesting to do research to find out if that could be happening already. It could lead to a whole new world of problems in the future. TV is to blame for a lot of physical and mental problems; whose to say lack of real communication won't do any harm. The thought has stoked my curiosity...

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  13. Nicole L./Online

    Texting has been a great invention. It's quick and easy, you can do it at anytime, no matter where you are. You can even text your status updates for Facebook, for an example. I'm not a shy person, but I'm not that talkative either, I especially despise talking on the phone and always have, however, texting makes life a little easier. Unlike an email, which I normally perceive as a paragraph of information or more, texts provide a very simplified and short way of sharing information between people without getting too in depth on the subject, like you would in an e-mail. As soon as something comes to mind, you can send it in that very instant instead of waiting for the right time to place a phone call or maybe even forgetting about it all together. There are drawbacks though because some people just don't know when to stop. Also, the fact that people are dying in car accidents because they're to busy texting unnecessarily is another which is far too serious of a con.

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  14. Juliana W.
    I think the worst thing about texting is that it’s usually used to waste time. I know texting can be a handy way to talk to someone, but I see people all the time resort to texting just because they’re bored. During class, they’ll pull their cell out and text the entire time and then complain when they get a poor grade on the next test. And when I ask what they’re texting about, it’s always something like, “Hey. Whatsup. Nothing. Lol.” And at social gatherings like parties, I see people all the time start texting because they don’t know anyone. Instead of going and talking to new people, they just text with people they already know because they’re shy. They’re missing out on the development of social skills.

    But texting is an amazing advancement of communication. I remember how incredible e-mail was because now you could message back and forth with someone on the same day. Now with texting, messaging is pretty much instantaneous. And I love how texting is private. You can’t talk on the phone about someone who’s with you, but I know kids that complain about their parents through text while their parents are right there.

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  15. Angelyn A. Online

    I think texting is a wonderful tool to get a quick comment across to someone without having to take the time out to write a formal email or make a phone call and have a full conversation. I much prefer to text, especially when I just do not feel like talking to the person on the other end. When my boss calls me on my day off, I DO NOT answer the phone and he knows to send me a text if he wants to contact me. I love my mother, but sometimes a text is better than getting on the phone and wasting 20 minutes of my day.
    Texting can also be very distracting, on the other hand. For someone to take their eyes off of the road and send a text message is completely irresponsible, although I am guilty of this myself. Another downfall to texting is that the tone of the message does not come across in the text. Someone might take something you say the completely wrong way than you meant it, because they didn't hear the way you were saying it.

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  16. Angelyn A Online is response to Trevor B Online-

    I agree that texting makes people socially awkward. My brother-in-law has had this girlfriend for over 6 months now and nobody in the family knows anything about her because when she comes around, she is texting the whole time! It makes her seem like a very immature, shallow and unintelligent person, which is sad and may very well not be the case. But goodness, how are we ever to know is the girl never opens her mouth??

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  17. Ayanda B.-Online
    In my opinion the pros of texting are that of convenience, requires a little phone savvy to do, is socially acceptable amongst most people. The cons are that many people text and drive, some feel that it is a more formal way to communicate than face to face, or a phone call.

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  18. Courtney F

    The cons of texting is that it is so easy to misconstrue the message being sent. Another reason would be that if you ever said anything to someone you didn't want anyone else to know it could be used as evidence and would be bad for you.

    The benefit of texting would be that you don't have to have long, drawn out conversations with people, you can get right to the point. Whomever you are texting will get the text whenever they see it and they are free to respond to it now or later. Another benefit of texting would be to save important information or something you cannot write down at the moment as in directions or a phone number.

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  19. Ayanda B - Online in response to Kourtnie C.-Online
    Texting has made communicating more flexible and when someone is trying to avoid a certain situation they may use texting as a way out. In respect to using texting instead of voice dialed calls it makes perfect sense especially when you don't have a unlimited calling plan.

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  20. Jennifer Ashley online in response to Courtney F

    You made to vaild points. I love the way texting takes the length of time out of a converstation when I am busy. Also, you have to be careful to get your point across. And thank you for your comment. As an online student, I have to respond to a tradtitional student so since I didn't see online by your name, I responded to you. I really didn't see many other traditional student comments.

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  21. Jennifer Ashley Online

    Pros of Texting:
    1. Saves time.
    2. Can get an important message to people even if they do not pick up. It is quicker to read a text than pick up voice mail.
    3. You can converse with someone even if you can't talk at that time. When I read, I send a text to my daugher when she gets a minute she texts me back and so on and so on. It is a good way to let someone know you are thinking of them and still be productive.

    Cons:
    1. It limits voice to voice interaction.
    2. Written message can be misunderstood.
    3. Is very rude at the wrong time!!!

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  22. Ashley F.—Online 11/16/10

    I am a guilty texter, and sometimes I really do think I couldn’t live without my iPhone. I do text quite a bit and mainly because it is so convenient and a quick way to stay in touch. Another thing to note is the new popularity of PDA phones. It is just as easy to send a text message as it is to send an e-mail, because they work just the same. However, I do agree that is it taking over face to face communication. There are many pros and cons to texting as stated above. I think a big pro is the fact that it is so quick and for the most part not disruptive. It is easier to send a quick text message than call sometimes. In a society where speed, technology and convenience are becoming the top priority, it is virtually impossible not to get on the band wagon with it. There are too many cons to even name them all! One is a safety factor for one, people are so busy texting while driving, shopping, and engaging in other focus driven activities that it is becoming dangerous to other people’s well being. There are laws being implemented to combat these problems, but that only goes so far. Also, I have noticed a big difference in the younger generation’s ability to communicate face to face! They can’t do it efficiently, and would rather text to talk. That is a HUGE problem in my opinion. Little emotional characters can’t make up for body language and facial expression.

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  23. Ashley F.—Online
    In response to Courtney F.

    You are so right! I had not thought about that part, that once a text is sent it is basically written evidence. There are a lot of cases going on now where police are using text messages as evidence in many different crimes. And texting definitely can come off as misunderstood because of the lack of emotions behind the words.

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  24. Kavitha G
    Texting appears to be here to stay. In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of texting?
    The pros of texting are the quickest and the easiest way to communicate.

    The cons of texting are it’s the most dangerous thing to do while driving. You have to pay for it. There is a loss in personal connection. Also it is taking over our world and turning into a negative thing. For example sexting. Sexting is described to be the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, primarily between mobile phones.

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  25. Ann M.- online
    Texting is a great communication tool, but like everything else it must be done in moderation and it is also important to keep the receiver in mind.
    Pros- You can send a quick text even if you are busy. It is perfect for a quick yes, no or okay answer. Apart from the fact that it is obvious that the sender/receiver are distracted, you are not listening to an entire conversation in public.The message will wait, until you are able to read and respond to it (you wont "miss" it). People use it to avoid a long conversation and to avoid confrontations.Teens and young adults love to communicate this way, and actually find it to be fun. They like to practice getting "faster" and coming up with "new shorter version of words/slangs".
    Cons- People are texting while driver, a lady rear-ended me recently because she was texting. Please be aware, that your phone records can be pulled to determine if you were texting at the time of an accident. Also, some people use it to communicate during an agrument, and the receiver can keep these texts for a long time and use it in court. Texting is very impersonal, and ones feeling cannot be convey via a text, as is the case during a conversation. Not everyone is familiar with the "new words" and might not get the meaning of what you are saying. It is very addictive, especially kids will stay on the phone for hours texting, so make sure it is covered on your phone plan.
    There is good and bad in all inventions, so we just have to try to use it for the most good.

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  26. Sabrina M.

    In my opinion, the only pro to texting is when you are in a situation where you can’t answer someone’s phone call, but you need to respond to them. Using texting you can directly answer someone’s question without having a whole conversation. However, if someone wants to say more than one or two things to someone else, I feel like it would be faster and more convenient just to call and have a conversation on the phone. It may take you a few minutes to text something, when it would take you 30 seconds to say it. Another con of texting is that it requires a lot of attention. It’s not very easy to multitask while you are texting, so in a way, it seems inefficient.

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  27. Ann M online respond to all
    I agree with all the comments, and am wondering how this will affect us in the future. Will the kids stay having carpal-tunnel syndome at an early age, will some young adults stop doing social activities, such as sport or going out, because they cant text and play or dance etc. In the past the tv had some negative impacts, then the nintendo games, then the computer, so how will the phone and texting affect us and our way of life???

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  28. Amanda Caputo- Online

    The pros of texting is that it is the fastest way to get someone if they are at work or in class and also if they are on the phone. The cons of texting are that you can’t hear that person talking so you don’t know what mood they are texting. Also a text can be put out of context or can’t really understand what the other person is really trying to say. I love texting that is how I talk to all of my friends most of the time it is just easier than calling and talking.

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  29. Amanda Caputo- Online

    In response to Sabrina M.

    I do agree with you about where you can’t answer someone’s call and have to text them. But I don’t agree with you about not having a conversation on text because I do it all the time. I would rather text than talk on the phone because I’m not a big fan on talking on the phone.

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  30. Courtenay Seay_ Online
    I have to admit, I am one of those people who text frequently. For me, it's a lot easier to get my point across. I happen to loathe talking on the phone. I don't know when it started. As a teenager, I was on it all the time. Times were different then. Cordless phones were fairly new and pagers were all the rage.
    Texting can be a very useful tool. If I am in a meeting, or a place where I can not use my phone, I can text my husband and remind him to take my daughter to the doctor. Or, I can text a quick question to a friend without interrupting their day with a phone call they might be too busy for. A text message, unlike a phone call, can be answered at the recipients leisure. I read an article recently that discussed a new technology for cell phones in which a text can not be sent if does not use full words (instead of text speak). This would be most useful for parents of teenagers. I think it is a wonderful idea and turns texting into an enrichment tool.
    A downside to the texting phenomenon is that some of us (maybe me included) have lost all of our personal "phone skills". Another negative effect is the use of text speak is going further than text messages and is being used in our vocabulary as if they were real words. The software I mentioned previously could be a possible solution to this.




    In response to Amanda Caputo- Online

    You made a good point that I completely left out. Meaning and tone are completely lost in text. I have a very sarcastic nature, and I can't tell you how many times my text have been taken in the wrong way.

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  31. Kristien S. Online

    To me, texting is quicker, I can send a text and continue doing whatever I'm doing. I'm not interrupting anyone around me by having a conversation either. I can also keep track of the conversation, which is useful if I'm having a discussion, I can keep going back to bring up points either of us have made.

    As far as downsides, it's really annoying when you're trying to talk to someone or in a group setting and someone is texting. Then there's texting and driving, which by now everyone should know is very dangerous.

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  32. Kristien S. Online in response to Jennifer Ashley Online

    I didn't even think about your cons, good points.

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  33. Amanda O Online

    To me, the pro to texting is that you can do it during times when talking on the phone aren't convenient. In a library, for example, it is better to text than be on the phone and disturb someone else or have them eavesdrop on your conversation. Other than that, I think there are a lot of cons from it being impersonal to dangerous (if done while driving). I like to hear someone's voice but I know my 18 yr old son prefers to text. It concerns me that the socialization skills won't develop as well in kids that text more than talk.

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  34. In response to Sabrina M form amanda o online -

    I think it is a great point that you made about it being inefficient. I hadn't thought of that.

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  35. Amanda O online in response to Courtney F.

    The points you made about texting being good to send numbers and important info is so true. I don't text a lot but when I do it is to send phone numbers, and address or directions. My periodontist has a text messaging feature that will send you a text to remind you of an appointment. I really like that feature/use for texting.

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  36. Lindsey Miller

    I think texting is a fad. there will eventually be something that replaces it. and we will think of texting as a personal thing. the way society is going, almost all intimacy is being lost in having conversations and keeping in touch. as i told you, i still write my dad letters. and he will just text me. that makes me so upset, because i took the time and effort to write him and try to be personal with him, and hes stuck in the mindset that Americans are getting into. that everything needs to be instant. i think it is affecting the younger people of today, where they are unable to communicate as well as people from earlier generations! and i think this trend will continue, mutate if you will. and texting will be old news. and something less personal will take over.

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  37. Courtney B.- Online

    Texting has definitely taken over the way we communicate nowadays. It can be helpful in many ways though such as its an easy and fast way to communicate, it helps people to stay in touch more often than an e-mail allows. Some one the cons would be that texting is in no way the same as face-to-face contact. People lose social skills by not communicating face to face.

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  38. Courtney B.- Online

    In response to Lindsey Miller-
    I agree, I am only 18, however, I would much rather communicate in person than through texting. I know a large handful of people my age that cant communicate properly with people older than them. Its sad how things have changed.

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  39. Jamie K.- Online

    Texting is the sole source of communication, and it is sad. But texting is very convenient. It is simple just to send someone a text to remind them about something, say hi, check up on them, invite them somewhere, etc. Personally I text alot, but if I need to have a serious conversation with someone I do it in person face to face because texting can be so easily taken out of context. You can't hear the persons tone of voice and it can easily mislead you to think they are mad or upset even if they aren't and so forth. Texting is very convenient in some situations when you can't be on your phone though! Another con is that it can be very distracting and affect peoples social skills, and can cause accidents!

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  40. Pros- Immediate response, not influenced by others, short and to the point

    Cons- Spelling and grammar are gone, only short bursts-no more complex sentences or thoughts, no depth to the comment, tone doesn't come across in text

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  41. Kourtney C.. mentioned that tone and meaning are lost in texting. I have had arguments that started over text because someone couldn't tell if I were joking or serious and vice versa. It seems like each form of communication advancement leads to on more step in removing human interaction from our daily lives.

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  42. There are definetly pros and cons of texting. I get tired in my own household of hearing 4 other (my kids mainly) cell phone messages ringing. Constant noise. I like it for a simple; Be right there; On my way; basically a quick message. I do not like it to replace conversation face to face. Texting does not represent inflections in your voice, tone, attitude and conversations can be misconstruded or misunderstood.

    I also see how this generation is using it to replace human contact. For instance: One of my kids, had a guy break up with her over a TEXT! Another one of my kids had someone tell them how they felt about them and asked them on a date over a TEXT!
    I shared with them, that back in the 70's when I was their age, guys(or girls) actually had to have courage or nerve to be able to call the ONE home phone and risk having to talk to a father or brother or mom and then be able to speak with you.
    I believe all in all cell phones, texting are a luxery in ways, but in many ways it has taken away from personal relationships and one on one contact. Our society in general has fallen into a cowardly way of dealing with others when they do not want to deal with conflict. (Ex: texting, emails, etc...)
    In my line of work the number one thing I see now, is that people mainly 25 and under do not have good communication skills. They are in general not good at face to face, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. I deal with 100's of businesses and all the owners say the same thing.

    Denise Miller- online student

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  43. In response to Lindsey Miller- online

    Lindsey , You sound like me! haha

    I agree with you that I hope this is just a fad. My elders always said, "People will always go back to the practical ways, technology is good but if it is not practical and true, things always go back to the way they were"

    I think that is true..Examples: (in my opinion)

    E-books- Fad- why? people love books and to hold them.

    Cell phones: People will get tired of always being "connected" and need more on one one.

    Emails: I believe people in general have a love for the written word, letter writing is so personal and something you can hold in your hand.

    Keep writing those letters! :)

    Denise Miller- online student

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  44. Robert P -online

    In Response to Sabrina M.

    I agree with most of the posts but yours is in line with my thoughts.

    I instruct my staff to text me when I am in a meeting, at a presentation, or attending a conference. There is little if any disruption and I can evaluate whether an immediate response is required and the method of the response.

    One other thing I like about texting is that it is short and to the point. No meaningless babble.

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  45. Kristyn B. – Online
    One positive thought about texting is that it can help employers communicate with all their employees at once. For example my job sends our weekly schedules via text message from a scheduling website we use. We also get weekly announcements and major things going on during a certain week through texts. A negative idea about texting is that it is influencing the vocabulary of many people. How will this texting generation change the way people speak?

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  46. Kristyn B. – Online
    In response to Juliana W.
    I also see how people use texting as constant entertainment. Sometimes I think people just do it to look cool as if they have more important things to be talking about than what is going on in class. I do agree that the rapidity of texting is nice. I can send a message and get a response back in the same amount of time it would take the phone to ring and go to voice mail. The privacy is also a good aspect of texting.

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  47. Tracey D. Bailey

    I believe texting is a form of informal conversation but very unprofessional for the corpoarte office. It's a lazy way of commuincating.

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  48. Jessica C.

    The cons of texting is that things can get taken wrong. You text something and it is taken sarcastic when it really wasn't meant sarcastic at all. Another con is the way people write when they text, most people who text don't take the time to spell things out, everything is abbreviated.
    The pros of texting is for one that it is easy and fast communication. Another is it helps people open up who aren't usually open. Also for me a lot of the times my phone can receive text, but nor calls, where ever I maybe at.

    But I think a lot of people use texting to say things to people that they are really afraid to say to the their face. People hide behind text because they are cowards.

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  49. Jessica C. In Response to Katie H.

    I really agree with you about the length of a conversation. Sometimes it can take forever to get your point across or to finish a conversation through text, and to me it can get very annoying.

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  50. Jillian G

    texting is a easier way of communicating and faster to get ahold of someone who cant talk or is busy with something else. In the work place is not a bad thing just like sending an email. i agree that sometimes words can get misconstrued. a con is texting while driving, there is enough things going on in the world we dont need to text and drive. for me im one of those people who text when im at work or in class, times when i cant exactly talk.. its easier than taking the time to call.. maybe thats lazy but we all are in some way. texting is the new way to communicate.

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  51. Sharon W. online


    I personally do not like texting, first of all
    when a person text he or she shortened words
    and it can be misunderstanding. In the future
    people will no longer use proper english if they practiced to text using abbreviations. Texting might be a fast way of communicating but not
    the right way to communicate in business places,
    or schools.

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  52. As someone who HATES to talk on the phone, I love texting. It allows me to be able to confirm plans, find out information, get directions, and communicate on a casual level without having to pick up the phone and waste 20 minutes. Makes communication easy, but it does have its downfalls. Of course, the obvious "con" is that people feel the need to do it when they are driving which has all of it's own controversy. The thing I hate about texting the most is that alot of things get "lost in translation". Alot of the way people communicate is in the tone or attitude in which something is said. In the texting world you don't have that. I am someone who is VERY sarcastic and have found that alot of the things I have said are taken completely in the wrong way because the person wasn't able to see my facial expression, or hear the expression in my voice. It also gives people an easy way to deliver news that it is less than undesirable!! Things like "I know we have been dating for the last 10 years, but Im getting married to someone else". Delivery without backlash!! The lovely world of technology
    Heather D

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  53. Angela A.
    Personally, I've hated talking on the phone since I was a customer service supervisor for a major catalog (before computers when you HAD to talk on the phone or mail your order). So, when texting came about, I loved it! Still do! Cant live w/o it! Its an awesome way to just let someone know you're thinking about them or just had a thought or cant talk cuz you just got stopped by a cop or picking up dreaded lab results. On the other hand, there are some people that overdo it and never let go of their phone! MOST annoying when you're trying to have a conversation w/ them! And the dumb asses that do it while driving (not me, of course)!

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  54. Lisa Womack-online

    I love texting! I'd much rather send a text than an email or letter. It's quick and simple. There are some bad things about texting though, its impersonal, words can be taken out of context or misunderstood, and its dangerous while driving! But...it is a quick and easy way to share thoughts with someone else without interrupting a class, concerts, plays, sporting events, weddings, etc...

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  55. Sarah Thompson online

    Pros: I do believe texting has it advantages. I am a busy mom of three kids and it is great to be able to text with my friends while doing other things; such as, cooking dinner, bathing kids, helping kids with homework, cleaning, ect. You see what I am getting at. With texting I am able to multi-task because I can pick it up and put it down as needed. When on the phone it is impossible to do anything other than carry on a conversation with that person. Another advantage is no-limit texting is way cheaper than minutes on a cell phone bill.

    Cons: I am a huge fan of texting but it does have its drawbacks. Texting is very impersonal and it is often hard to decipher what someone means without being able to hear their voice. I am concerned with the "sexting" issue now that my son is in middle school. It is way to tempting and easy for young children to get caught up in this. Driving and texting is extremely dangerous, especially in younger drivers who are advid texters.

    As I said before I am a huge fan of texting and will continue to text. But everyone once in awhile I just long to hear certian peoples voices...so I pick up the phone and call them. : )

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  56. Sarah Thompson-online
    in response to Chadwick

    I agree that texting is very convient. It has made my life easier in many ways, but I see the point you made about grammar and human interaction. We seem to be continually turning towards a cyber world with less and less face to face interaction. All our social skills will certianly suffer from this!

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  57. Sabrina M.

    Another con to texting that I just remembered is that sometimes when you are texting multiple people at the same time, you could accidentally send the wrong message to the wrong person. If that does happen, things could become a little awkward (depending on what you are texting about)!

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  58. Amanda O Online in response to juliana W

    Yes, the impact on social skills is my biggest concern. The convenience is nice along with it being quiet - you can have a conversation while a baby is sleeping.

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  59. Lauren G.-online

    Texting is a great thing to have, but it does have both its pros and cons. Texting can be really helpful in sending a message quickly and effectively. If a person needs to tell someone something important but they will not be seeing their friend until the next day, that person can just text it to their friend. It is both easy and effective. The problem with texting is, that one does not get the face-to-face contact every person needs. Kids these days have trouble socially because texting has replaced/decreased their face-to-face contact with others. It is sad that kids can't go one second without texting their friends.

    In response to Sabrina M.:
    Sending a message to the wrong person is extremely awkward, especially if it is about that person. I've done that before and it can get really ugly sometimes.

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  60. I believe texting is getting rid of face to face experiences. Now you can simply write someone and they can see it instantly, you dont have to wait for them to answer or make sure they can hear you. It simplifies communication but loses personality. I think that texting is great and is very flexible. Its just that some people may over do it, but then again, in everything in this world there are people who "over do it"

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  61. Peggy A:online
    Today's technology has certainly made it more convenient to communicate with people; it saves time when we are in a busy situation, but it is also very impersonal. It is difficult to convey such emotions as anger, sarcasm or joy. And it seems to take forever when typing a message. I feel as though I've just dictated a letter when I could have easily made a phone call. Of course, these are the lighter sides of texting. The more serious issue of texting is the thousands of lives that are lost due to the negligence of someone being irresponsible with their phone. Checking one message or sending one message while driving has proven to be fatal and changed the lives of many individuals. Coincidentally, there will be pros and cons to almost every situation; but most importantly, we've evolved from telephones to Mobil phones and now to Smartphones.

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  62. Peggy A: online
    In response to Laura G.
    I have seen the same trend that text messaging has made more and more younger people unable to interact socially. This could eventually become serious because it would lead to isolation. An even more alarming trend is the addictive state that is emerging because of excessive use of texting. It has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Thank goodness for unlimited text messaging!

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  63. I don't really like texting or sending them. I see the pros and cons of the particular way of communicating. I think it is impersonal and is good when you just need to give a yes or no.
    I think texting is here to stay and will be a regular form of communication.

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  64. I agree with Cristie M about her comments for her statement about the hearing impared.

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  65. Margaret F-online
    I personally think the phone, texting and email have made society lazy and antisocial; that being said the pros for texting is that unlike a phone conversation your respone doesn't have to be immediate. It also allows you to communicate with anyone anywhere at anytime and get a relatively quick response. Texting also allows us to multi task. The cons are that it can be done at inapproiate times like driving, while talking to someone face to face, and during church to name a few. While texting is a great form of communication we just need to use it at the approiate times and for the approiate reasons.

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  66. Margaret F-online
    In response to Lauren G

    I agree teenagers these days have a harder time socializing due to the constant texting and lack of interaction with each other.

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  67. Lynn - Online
    I personally use texting as my primary source of communication with my family when we are not together. It is a simple form of communication that allows quick to-the-point dialogue that my family and I can use at work, school, doctor’s offices…anywhere that picking up a phone is not feasible. This is a major “pro” of texting. The “cons” of texting are that people are text-talking to other people when they are face-talking to you – which can be rude. There is also the problem with texting while driving vehicle accidents. I think that text-to-speech programs should be standard, and easy to use, such as a car mode on all cell phones to help alleviate this. Another problem with texting is text-dating – or that is what I call it, especially in middle school. These young preteens have cell phones for various reasons, but they use these phones to privately talk to their “boyfriends” or “girlfriends” saying things that they would never say face to face, and sending “private” pictures of themselves to each other. Parents fail to monitor their conversations, assuming that all is innocent, but sexting is happening at very young ages. All in all though, I like text messaging and enjoy the convenience. Maybe there needs to be a “text responsibly” campaign.

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  68. Andrew G. Online

    My problem with texting is how people exploit it to get out of situations. One of my BIGGEST pet peeves is getting a text when I'm in the middle of something important that's some long rant about something very personal or something important that needs to be discussed face to face so everyone has a fair chance to speak their point. Conversely, it is very handy being able to communicate something simple when I'm in a situation where it's inappropriate to talk on the phone.

    I don't mind texting for little stuff, in fact I prefer it, but like I said, I think if someone wants to have an actual conversation, make a dramatic confession, or go on a long rant, then they can either call you or text you asking when you can meet up. If one "text" takes up more than one text (meaning more than 160 characters for a single text), then it needs to be said out loud.

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  69. Andrew G. Online

    In response to Lynn's post, I second the resentment of text/talking. Another HUGE pet peeve of mine is hanging out with somebody who is CONSTANTLY texting. To me that implies I'm boring you and I'm not worth your time. So if that's the case...then you can leave!

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  70. In response to Sharon
    Lynn - Online
    I understand your concern for not using proper writing skills, but I think that texting is very appropriate for businesses, schools, and such as long as the text are written just as you would an email. I receive information such as a change in my son’s practice schedule, school inclement weather info, and work info through texts. I feel it is a very good way to receive important info that I need to know quickly. I always write out the full words in my texts, in fact, with smart phones it is hard not to; you actually have to program in a word to spell it wrong or to use an abbreviation like OMGsh.

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  71. Nicholas L - Online

    Texting is one of the new phenomenons in our culture and, as the blog states, it appears it's here to stay. The pros for this type of communication are the relative ease of use, speed in which you can convey a quick message, and its ability to be used in almost any situation. On the other hand, texting can be extremely impersonal and many of the conversational qualities of face-to-face contact are lost in "text translation."

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  72. Nicholas L - online in response to Heather

    I completely agree with you about the frustration when things are misinterpreted through texts. I'm also very sarcastic in conversations so I can occasionally get myself into trouble when I try to work that sarcasm into text-form. You always have to be careful and spell it all out!

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  73. Beth M. - Online

    In my opinion, the pros of texting far out-way the option of not having the ability now that it exists. My family utilizes text messaging daily. My son can text me if he is in school and wants me to remember to pick him up later; my father and I use it as we are in professional environments which might limit phone contact.

    The cons of text messaging are along the line as emailing. Texting can be misunderstood, same as with email. One might think you are being hasty or have an attitude when you didn't think it would come across as such.

    However, I look at text messaging as a way to be short and to the point while staying in touch.

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  74. Beth M.-Online
    In response to Nicholas L.

    I totally agree with Nicholas as to the speed to convey a quick message and the ability to be used in almost any situation, as well as responding in almost any situation. I further agree that it can be impersonal, but there are typical reasons for it's use verses calling someone.

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  75. LuShawna G.-Online
    Honestly I prefer texting over calling, email etc. It is just a quicker form of contacting to me, other then face to face and I am not really a phone person. The only con I have with it is the texting and driving, some people just dont realize that removing your eyes off the road for even just a second can cause trouble.

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  76. LuShawna G.-Online
    In response to Kourtney C-Online
    I definetly agree with you on that...you don't know how to take someone when the conversation is heated. When its situations like that, I then will pick up the phone or see them face to face. Other then that I much rather prefer to text.

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  77. there are so many that text instead of call becuas easy fast and easy and most convenient, this can be the same in turning in work or having a discussion. The only reason why it would not be a good idea, its not personal.

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  78. Deborah G online

    there are so many that text instead of call becuas easy fast and easy and most convenient, this can be the same in turning in work or having a discussion. The only reason why it would not be a good idea, its not personal.

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  79. Deborah G online in response to Beth M.
    I do think that texting is a good idea to turning in work, most people do it and its really fast. And you can do it anywhere.

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  80. Linda M. Online

    Texting is a quick and easy way of communicating with family and friends. However I do believe that you should not try to have a serious conversation over text. Texting and driving is one of the major cons.

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  81. Linda M. Online
    In response to Cristi M.

    I agree it is a great way of communication for the hearing impaired.

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  82. Linda S

    Texting has become a wy of everday lives. The good part about it is u can have a conversation at anytime or anywere with out people listning to your buisness. The bad thing about it is people dont know when to quit with it esspecially in the classroom,work or in the car.

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  83. Linda S

    I agree with Linda M Texting has become apart of life, but should not be used while driving.

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  84. Anna G.- Online

    I love texting! I mean, I am not one to have a full conversation via text because it's a little ridiculous. It is very handy, though, to send that little text, "I'm on my way!" or "Do you need me to run to the store?" Instead of making a 30 second phone call. On the down side, TEXTING AND DRIVING!!! I mean, REALLY!?!? Even when it wasn't a law, I didn't do it. There have been so many times where I've almost been rear-ended or someone coming in my lane nearly hitting me head on because they have to respond to their boy friend or girl friend really quick with an "LOL!" I have a lot friends who have rear-ended people by just reading a text! It's not cool, it's dangerous, STOP!!!!

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  85. Atiya D. Online

    A pro to tweting is that people have never been so self expressive. with the invention of texting, people are able to say exactly how they feel when they feel it. A con of the textng world is that people no longer know the art of good grammar. They are reduced to bad language and fragmented thoughts. People have begun to think the way they text is acceptable in all aspects of using written language, hence the specific rules for these blog entries.

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  86. Jessica V.-online
    In my opinion I hate talking on the phone. So texting is a lot easier for me. I am able to chitchat with someone whenver I need to. If I am in a meeting and someone needs to talk to me I will tell them to text me so I know what is going on and I can handle it without disrupting the meeting. I think it is a great form of communication. The problem I have about texting is when I see people stuck to their phones constantly. I think it is great that it is illegal to text and drive!! People need to watch the road instead of looking at their phone. I'm sure texting while driving has caused a lot accidents.

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  87. Jessica V.-online
    In response to Anna G.-I agree with you! People need to stop texting and driving. People don't care that it is a law they are still going to do it. If I get rear ended because someone was texting, I'm going to be furious!!!

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  88. Atiya D. Online in Response to LuShawna G.

    I agree. Texting is easier. When I don't really feel like talking to someone, I can text and keep in touch while keeping my sanity. It's quick, easy, and painless.

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  89. LaVette M-Online

    I believe a pro for texting is an easy way to communicate without having to call someone or see them face to face. You can truly get your idea out through a text. A con I believe with texting is how people lose that true face to face communication skill. Sometimes the sort texting words can be brought into things such as papers for school, in turn causing students to fail. Sometimes texting too much causes people to write or talk like they text.

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  90. Steven Thompson-Online
    Texting is a more simple way of communicating. It can be done in situations that phone calls cant. It get the main ideas across without getting lost in a phone call for fifteen minutes. Some of the cons include texting while driving and doing it too much. I have noticed that it has been taking over peoples lives.

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  91. Steven Thompson-Online
    In response to Sarah Thompson
    I completely agree with your con stating texting is impersonal and its hard to figure out what people mean without hearing their voices. A lot of times I will have to re-word a sentence because I know that the person will take it in the wrong way.

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  92. RONESIA I.-ONLINE
    I love texting because I can get a lot more out than talking on the phone. It's quick and you have the opportunity to respond or not. The con to texting is, when doing something professional such as writing an essay or sending out an email, a lot of us tend to use the acronyms that we use for text messaging. A lot of the time this is not done on purpose but because we are so used to doing it. So texting can definitely be bad for grammar.

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  93. Ronesia I- Online
    In response to Cristi M.
    I will definitely agree and say that texting and driving is a con. I hear about more and more teens getting killed over doing this. Most of the time the message that was sent was not important. No message is worth anybodys life!!!

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  94. LaVette M-Online
    In response to Rachel Hudson
    I agree with you. You can not tell a persons body language by text. Someone may text you something that is meant to be funny and you take it a totally different way. This can cause all kinds of problems. When all the other person did was forget to put that lol, behind the text in the first place. Texting is good, but there is a time and place for it.

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  95. Andrew G. Online

    How can everyone agree that texting is better for "quick and easy" communication? I mean, sure it's not rocket science, but you still have to DO it. Even if you're really good, it still takes longer than pushing a single call button. Then you have the back and forth conversation, over 5 minutes give or take that could have been said in 20 seconds. I definitely think there are pros, but that's certainly not one of them...

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  96. ~ Katie H. (online)in response to Lauren G.- (Online) ~

    I like the points you made, and i totally agree it seems like everywhere i go now someones texting. Its really sad and it makes me feel bad for the children that families cant afford cell phones. Its funny, sometimes when im with my friends ill text silly things just because, its like texting is really taking over verbal communication.

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  97. Nicole L./Online
    In response to Jessica V.

    I'm with you, you can text in any circumstance you may be in and get the necessary information you need without disrupting your task or anyone else. It's definitely a great thing Georgia made texting and driving illegal, people have become too obsessed and fascinated with texting.

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  98. Donald W. Online
    I feel as though e-mail is the new snail mail. If you need a reply asap it won't happen. Now on the other hand texting is quick fast efficient, and you can send pictures and music. It's dangerous if you're driving so don't do it.

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  99. JULIAN .E.- ONLINE
    With the common use of phones and other electrons, it is not surprising that technology pervades our lives and change social interaction. I admit that I am addicted to text messaging. Texting force you to think through what you are about to sent. I have avoided many argument in my relationship this way When am angry or upset . I find it much easier to text than talk, because in a conversation the communication is instant and thing fly out of your mouth without a thought, and you can not take it back. But texting you have to type it out, look at that message and realize, ouch, maybe I shouldn`t say that. Whether texting is easier or not , I think most of us can agree with me that texting while driving is not safe. It does not matter how good you are in driving.

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  100. texting is absolutely here to stay. even the older geberation people are fond of using texts. pros of using text is that its very very convinient. you can text anywhere anytime doing anything. my boss uses mainly text messaging to convey any messages or reports to me. including my schedule and alot of little things. and i get it instantly and respond. cons of text messaging is its very distracting. if you are used to texting you will find that you cant survive without your phone,. and as much as you concetrate on whatever you do, half of your concentration it listening to hear whether you phone is going to beep or not. so people tend to have divided attention because of their cell phones

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  101. Franklin chapman- online

    First off without seeing anyone else's i already know everyone is going to put the obvios driving while texting which is a big thing. but also there is the problem with child pornography, if a child is to send you a dirty image , and you unknowingly open it, and it is traced to you , you can be charged and serve as a sex offender, wrong , but it is what our laws see fit. not saying that this is also a problem with it in geeral that you ca sway a minor for underage pornography, which is horrible.I definately think texting will be in to stay for a while, although it may just get more advanced, like video messages possiblyor maybe simple voice messages, for safty while driving.

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  102. Franklin Chapman-online
    in response to ida sarah ogado
    I do agree with you in saying that it is here to stay and that it can be very useful. you make a great point , that many people do not pay attewntion while texting, this can be bad for you , if you are trying to interact with someone while they do this, it is something that is somewhat annoying to me. when i talk to someone i expect their undivided attention, unless im just being super boring, if im not then it is just straight annoying.

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  103. David F. Online

    I am a big fan of texting. One of the pros of text is its time consuming. You can text someone and not have to get into a long drawn out phone conversation with the. I have friend that can be hard to get off the phone. A text cuts down on my talk time. A text is more private that a phone call. If you have someone sitting next to you and you don't want them to know what you are saying, a text is perfect. A text is convenient, if you were at a club, party, or loud ball game a text is great because it would be too loud to hear the person on the other line. There are also some negative when it comes to texting. Alot of people text while driving, which has been known to be a major factor in many fatalities. Another con about texting is many people abbreviate everything when texting, which hurts in peoples about to spell words correctly. But over all I think the pros of Texting out weigh the con. And I think texting is here to stay.

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  104. David F. online
    In response to Atiya D.
    I agree with Atiya, texting is a bad thing when it comes to what it is doing to our future generations writing skills.

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  105. Nathan Fawcett
    Pros are some people are more social and the class participaction.
    Cons are people are so wrapped up with texting that they would sometimes hold conversations with each other over the phone when in person.

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  106. Aurielle C,

    In modern society, texting has become one of the most respected methods of instant communication, besides email/instant messaging. In early generations, individuals would have to be in a set location to convey data via video chat. But in todays society, individuals can have mobile video conferences from several geographical locations.

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  107. Timmy T.

    A pro for texting is that people who aren't very social and can't really communicate well in person or by talking on the phone. Texting is a great way to communicate. Also it's very much like a letter, you don't have to respond immediately to it!

    A con for texting is that people would do this while driving and don't understand that it can wait til the next red light or when you park. And many people have died from texting and driving. Don't think that you're invincible and you're the only one allowed to text. It will happen soon. DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE!

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  108. Kaila C. Online
    I believe that texting is great when you need to check in on people when you are unable to talk. Although the biggest con for me would have to be the texting and driving I can understand at a stop light but when you driving down the highway going 60+ it turns into a very dangerous situation. With the advances in technology there are now phones that text for you while all you have to do is talk into the phone and it types so you are almost hands free.

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  109. Ashley T.

    I love talking whether it is in person or texting. Texting allows people to respond when they want to. People don’t have the uncomfortable silent moments and it is easy to start and end a conversation. The cons to texting are sometimes when people say things it is taken the wrong way and it is a very impersonal way of communication.

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  110. Christopher P.
    I’m not big into texting but I do it. Instead of making a phone call to ask a quick question, you can send a text. It makes communication a little easier. I think that there are a lot of positive things about texting but there are some negative things as well. I think that it hurts young people’s ability to write correctly. There are so many abbreviations for words that young people in middle and high school and even college forget how to write correctly and think that their writing is correct.

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  111. Daria Glukhikh - Online
    I use texting a lot. And I can definately see the pos and cons of this mean of communication.
    I think the positive features are:
    +speed,
    +quiet (not talking),
    +ability to do it anywhere (no Internet required)
    The negative features include:
    -distraction from the road or the lesson
    -illiteracy
    -rudeness
    I think the use of text messages will increase in the next year, because of low cost and availiability.

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  112. Angela R.

    In my opinion texting has more pros than cons. The pros are functional and practical and the cons are mainly just misuse by people. Texting is fast, easy, quiet, and is going to be a huge form of communication throughout the rest of the century. People just need to control themselves and have a little courtesy to those around them. This is no different than normal phones and hand-held games. There are places where texting should not be done simply because common sense should tell us it's not a good idea.

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  113. Emma A
    Texting is an easy way of communication, It is conveinent when you are in hurry and do not want to stay of the phone for too long, or when you have to send information that I more details. Text saves a lot of time when you used it in a Posive way.

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  114. Zach Bragg TR 6-8pm

    Texting can be a good thing. It is convenient a lot of the time, and can be great if you want to skip all the crap and awkward pauses that come with a phone call. The bad thing about texting is people get addicted, and it I for one have been a victim of texting taking up time at work and school. And for some reason guys and girls think its nothing if they just take nude pictures of themselves and text them. Sure people have been taking nude shots for a long time but it just makes it sooooo much easier.

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  115. Taneshia C -Online
    I have become a fan of texting because of its convience, ease of use,it's non confrontational, cheaper to talk long distance, no internet needed, and it sends messages instantly . The negative side of texting are: you may send a personal text to the wrong individual, you may text and drive, which is very dangerous, it is impersonal, can be very expensive without having unlimited text, and it can easily be traced.

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  116. Olugbenga A.-Online
    In response to Taneshia texting may be convenient to some people,but at the same time not convenient to some,it depends on individual differences and the mood in which one is at a particular time.Though texting is very useful in conveying messages in a place where phone calls are not allow and where there is no direct face to face contact.It is very useful in sending a short and quick messages to one another expecially family member.It is also useful in conveying emotional messages to loved one.As text messages has advantages it also have some disadvatages: So many people has lost their life or became disabled due to testing while operating an automotive equipments.Some messages has been seen by ones spouse or kids and leads to discord in the family. Texting messages waste more time than phone calling when a longer conversation is needed.
    Texting messages,face to face cotact,phone calling,e-mails, they are all very useful way of communicating messages. They all have both advantages and disadvantages due to individual differences.

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  117. Maureen O. Online
    Testing has advantages and its disadvantages, it is becoming a major way of communication mostly for young people. testing makes it very easy for some people like me to be able to keep in contact with family and freind while at work. it also helps to just say whatever we want to say just how we want it. however testing will never replce face to face because when communicating face to face, you can also read the non verbal expresion.

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  118. Maureen O. Online
    in reference to Jualiana W.
    I completely agree with you, texting have taken the place of socializing with people. Instead of our teenage making ore friend they contented with the one or two they have.

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