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Mobile phones are to some a lifesaver and an essential tool that they could not conceivably be without. To others they are intrusive, irritating and, in many cases, socially and morally unacceptable. This is particularly true in the case of their text message options.

There are two aspects to the social pros and moral cons of text messages. One relates to the consideration of the appropriate of use within a social environment and the second is the content and purpose of the message process itself.

With regard to being involved with text messaging when one is in a social environment, such as with friends at a restaurant, this can be very disconcerting for the other people present. For example, if you are in the middle of a conversation with someone and they break off from listening to you to read a text message that has just been delivered, this is rude and impolite, and one can understand why the person speaking would get annoyed. What is worse is when that same person receiving the message decides to send a reply text immediately. In my view, such action is the height of bad manners and shows a lack of consideration for the person with whom you are dining or having a conversation.

One could also extend this lack of consideration to the workplace. If you are being paid by an employer to work for them you should give this your undivided attention during work hours. But how many people think nothing of sending, receiving and reading text messages during their time at work? One has to consider whether this is morally or ethically correct.

The other aspect of text messages is the appropriateness of its purpose and content. Let us take an example. You have decided to break up with you boyfriend or girlfriend. Instead of facing them with the truth, you decide to use a text message to deliver your decision. Can that be considered morally justifiable? Surely, because of the impact of such an important message, the person you are texting deserves to hear it direct from you, rather than by an impersonal message? Similarly, over recent years there have been increasing incidences of text messages being used to verbally attack and bully others, or to spread malicious rumours. This is unethical and morally wrong. If we have an issue with someone, we should have the strength of character to face him or her directly and resolve it, or at least do the recipient the courtesy of confronting them directly with the issue.

The text process is an ideal way in which to keep in touch with friends and relatives, or for making and confirming arrangements, for example when confirming a meeting time and place. It is also a way of communicating for fun and pleasure. Furthermore, it has significant benefits because of the ability to use this method of communication in times of urgency or emergency.

However, consideration should be given to its appropriate use within social gathering, especially if these are intimate occasions. Furthermore, one should not use a text message for something that is morally deserving of a face-to-face conversation, for example the break up of a relationship. The hurt that this distance informing can cause to the other party is unjust, unfair and wrong. Therefore, it is important to think carefully about where you are when messaging and whether the purpose of the text is the right way to convey an important message to the intended recipient.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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