You like TXTing so much, how do you like it now?

By Meaghan Ziemba, Associate Editor PD&D

"Yes, I’m a texting addict; especially in situations when my phone should be turned off instead of on vibrate."

Everywhere you go, you can guarantee that you’ll find at least one individual typing away on their cell talking via text messaging.

Texting has become a popular trend of communication in today’s society; however is it an addicting trend? A recent article on Texting while dating, demonstrates how texting can be overused especially in some of our most intimate and personal experiences like dating.  

A close friend of mine recently broke up with her boyfriend. She wasn’t so much upset with the break up as she was about the impersonal touch from her ex who decided that 160 characters of abbreviated text was a better option than a phone call to say his farewell. “Maybe he’s busy,” I added, while receiving a glare as she angrily responded to him in all caps. 

I’m not completely innocent with the over-usage of texting. I’ve clicked away with my friends while my date has patiently waited across the table nibbling on breadsticks listening to repeated doorbell sounds. I’ve sat through mass, funerals, and weddings answering questions that were texted to me during the ceremonies. It only took a second.

I’ve texted “happy b-day” to siblings when a phone call could have been made just as easily; and wished a happy mother’s day to my mom and sisters, instead of calling or getting them a card (even though texting is like a card, minus pretty pictures and that poetic Hallmark genius).

Yes, I’m a texting addict; especially in situations when my phone should be turned off instead of on vibrate.

So, why the obsession with all the impersonal communication? When did it become appropriate to communicate death notices, engagement proposals and newborn babies through abbreviations and smiley faces made through symbols?

It seems people use texting to avoid uncomfortable blind dates and drawn out conversations with annoying family members.

Others use it because they can’t get away from the soap opera drama that happens among their friends while working their 9 to 5 job; or they can’t possibly interrupt their lives with a phone conversation, so it’s better to multitask and type everything out by hand.

Whatever the reasoning behind the abundance of texts; I think it’s time that most of us get back to real communication and use our voices instead of typed words. The phone was invented for talking, and while it will be difficult for me, it’s time for us to break up with text messaging and steer back towards being more personal with each other.  

What's your take? Send comments to meaghan.ziemba@advantagemedia.com.