How has texting affected the face-to-face relationships? What can be done to make sure that people today actually know how to have “real” relationships?
Introduction
Texting has affected face-to-face relationships in many ways. For instance, it brings dissatisfaction, distrust and a sense of negligence in them. In fact, negligence comes first, because when a person shows more interest in texting than a face-to-face relation does; it gives the impression that the person is ignoring them. As he is more interesting in the conversation going on through mobiles than the real one, which results in dissatisfaction and displeasure in their relationship. In addition, this dissatisfaction leads to distrust between them, which can even result in relationship collapse.
Texting is a sort of interruption. Some studies also revealed that the overuse of texting is addiction. It is because the receiver feels the urge to reply, and when he replies, the other person feels to answer again. Hence, the cycle starts which makes both the sender and receiver neglect all the “real” people, places, things near them. Studies have even shown that even the sight of mobile phones impact deeply on real relations as it shows the phone owner has wider social circles and diverts concentration from the real conversation going on. Mobile phones give a negative (less positive) feeling about the user while face-to-face conversations. Moreover, people who speak to each other directly, without using a phone perceive that they had a significant conversation than those who do texting.
The psychological solution for this issue is to avoid cell phones in front of real relationships or use it to a minimum so that the person sitting next to you is not offended.
New proposal
Although it is not practiced to stop, using mobile phones or texting at once; yet the harmful part of it could defiantly be reduced through decreasing its overuse. It is likely because those who use it overly face its harmful impacts. Using a text only when needed and replying to what is most important and in a precise form is the solution that could save real relations from falling it is necessary for having a real relationship.
Explanation
The overuse of mobiles and the messaging cycles are the reason for such problems, therefore, texting to the extinct of necessity helps in reducing it. Giving importance to the real and face-to-face people and setting mobiles aside during discussions helps in focusing on them instead of virtual relations. As discussed before that texting endlessly, diverts attention but when it is done on limited basis for instance, texting important information or delivering an essential message that takes only a few seconds and putting the mobile aside in the presence of others makes sure that people around mean more to a person and therefore, is harmless.
Rationale
It shows that care is given to real conversations than texting, and there is no diversion; negligence or laxity involved. Moreover, a person is focused and not indulged in others than those nearer to them. It provides a deep sense of satisfaction and shuns the risks of feeling dejected or ignored. It also helps in strengthening the relationships, as there is no external involvement in the form of mobile phone texting. It also shows their loyalty and regard for each other.
Comparison/counter argument
The counter argument for it is that texting continuously strengthens relationships and does not affect people physically nearby. It is wrong since people require care and attention, which is not possible in the presence of virtual friends on the mobile phones. It is not true as it produces boredom as the text sender’s focus is on the quantity of text, instead of quality. Real relationships do not need excessive or unnecessary texting. It also results in misunderstanding, as the sender and receiver are not physically present. Hence, messaging does no good to anybody either virtually closer or physically.
Feasibility
It is practical to stop messaging and shift the style of conversations from virtual to physical, gradually by making the habit of using text messages only when necessary. Friendship, relationship, jokes; riddle texts do not prove the depth of relations. Hundred text messages cannot even be compared with a single physical dialog as they are more effective. It is, therefore, worthwhile to have a real conversation than indulging in aimless texting.
Implementation
Texting is only a habit or sometimes an obsession and so it could be changed and altered easily. For this reason, the very first thing to note is the importance of “quality” instead of “quantity” in strengthening relations. Real relationships do not need bulk messages, massive texting and unnecessary replying, etc. it only proves vagueness or meaninglessness of a relation. Physical meetings and conversations are more important for maintaining real connections.
Conclusion
Texting harms face-to-face relationships as it represents disinterest, apathy and indifference and sometimes taken as maltreatment or offense. Texting does not prove a deep association as does real relationships; particularly, over and insignificant messaging. On the other hand, people think it is crucial for strengthening their bonds, which are incorrect. Consequently, this practice should be avoided by giving more importance to the real relationships and reducing the use of text messages as much as possible.
Work Cited
Jantz, Gregory L. Hooked. Florida: Charisma Media Copyright., 2012.
Lynne Hamill, Amparo Larsen. Mobile World: Past, Present and Future. Guildford: Springer Copyright., 2006.
Tagg, Caroline. Discourse of Text Messaging: Analysis of SMS Communication. London: A & C Black Copyright., 2012.
