Short Message Service (SMS) has become a dominant mode of communication in today’s world. One article describing SMS begins with the comment: “Just when we’re finally used to seeing everybody constantly talking on their cell phones, it suddenly seems like no one is talking at all. Instead, they’re typing away on tiny numerical pads, using their cell phones to send quick messages. SMS, or text messaging, has replaced talking on the phone for a new ‘thumb generation’ of texters.”
Without a doubt text messaging is a very convenient tool to relay information quickly, even to a number of recipients. It seems to have significantly increased our capacity to connect with other people. I, for one, am enjoying the convenience of being able to communicate to church leaders through a text message “blast.” In emergencies, it can be an extremely useful tool.
Yet, with all its convenience, I just wonder whether we really have become better at connecting—really connecting—with one another. Because oftentimes what can be observed seems to be more virtual connection—simply the appearance of connecting—rather than authentic personal connecting. For all the passing of information via texting, often it has a very impersonal feel to it. We can easily hide behind the text message and avoid the personal face-to-face (or voice-to-voice) interaction. Indeed, we hardly are “talking at all.”
Perhaps this virtual connection may also make us quite lax in our commitments. It could make it easier for us to flake out on (or ease the guilt of being late for) our appointments. We simply send an impersonal text message. And we assume that takes care of the real responsibility of doing our best to actually show up or be on time. Having to actually talk with the person you stood up would make it more difficult, wouldn’t it?
Text messaging too often is allowed to get in the way of one’s being “present” with the persons one is with. Communication and connection between people who are physically together can often be compromised because one or the other (or both) is not giving one’s full attention as one is having a text conversation with someone elsewhere. A New York Times article, for example, refers to the rampant issue of students’ inattention in class because they are engaged in text messaging.
The problem, of course, is not text messaging itself but the human tendency to misuse and abuse a good thing. Text messaging has its place in human communication. We only need to learn to use it responsibly and with maturity, and not allow it to take the place of personal interaction.
–Keith Y. Jainga