To connect

by Elle Kim

Created on: December 15, 2009

Vibrate, Vibrate

It's not uncommon at all to receive a text and send texts throughout the day. In fact, so many people have unlimited text messaging now that it's common for people to ask another's phone number purely to text. Well, then wouldn't it already make sense for texting to be a way to connect with people?

Think back to a time when you first met someone, say one of your friends. Chances are, it probably wasn't comfortable and completely relaxing from the beginning- there were awkward moments, especially when you called them up, right? Now take texting: If you text somebody, there's no awkward silences and you can feel completely comfortable while texting because you don't have to have those moments where you say ,"So.... how's it going?"

This can bring a unsteady, beginning friendship to a higher level. If you already text each other for long periods of time (which is basically having a smooth conversation), then you've alreayd connected faster than you would have if you were to have called and had several silent moments where nobody knew what to say.

The other side might argue that it is used for avoiding. That's not true, whether you're the receiver or the texter.

As the texter, there really isn't a time where you would text a person to avoid them.

As the receiver, however, some might claim that you texting instead of calling would be a simpler way to try to ignore them. However, many people (including the non-stop texters) would say that it'd be simpler to answer the phone and claim to be busy rather than to ignore the call and text "What's up?" And if you're not even being called, replying to just a text couldn't be considered avoiding.

But the other side might claim that texting is also a way to avoid because you don't have to let people really know and hear what your thinking because undoubtedly, lies are easier to recognize while talking than while texting. However, this is untrue because friends will text each other merely for the convenience that it provides.

The uses for texts are numerous: You're in the library and trying to be quiet; you have a sore throat and can't speak; you dread awkward silences and would rather build your relationship in texts rather than calls, etc. It's also clear that texting can be just as fulfilling as actually talking. Just as receiving a sweet compliment can make someone feel good, instantly, the text version of the same thing is just as cute.

It's obvious that calling is much more personal, but how can one argue that just because you're being less personal, you're avoiding the person that you're texting? It's not logical. It also doesn't make sense when most of the people that claim texting is a way to avoid people aren't even frequent texters! Wouldn't it make more sense coming from somebody that texts a decent amount, but isn't addicted to it? Middle ground is key, and the term "avoid" cannot truly be considered middle ground since it has a negative connotation. Whie it's true that connect cannot be considered middle ground, it's a much more neutral term. Connecting can be anything to having long, heartfelt conversations to merely asking a question about homework.

Texting is a thing of both the present and the future. To treat it as something good would benefit us because like it or not- it's going to stay for a while.

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