Hello, my name is Alex and I am a bad texter. In this day and age, that’s something unforgivable. Many people see their phone as an extension of their hand. All their “social interactions” are confined within a technological device. Don’t get me wrong; I am not one of those technology haters who want to rid the world of phones. My phone has been my only way of keeping in touch with the people I left behind from the multiple times I’ve moved. I am grateful for that, but despite this, reliance on cell phones is concerning to me.
I have had a few people on my campus that I have never met before flirtatiously message me. They then pass by me in person, without even making eye contact. Now for me, this is beyond uncomfortable. How can weigh so much value in a ;) and then ignore people when they are right next to them? The reliance on texting as a social outlet actually seems to decrease people’s ability to socialize. To me, texting is impersonal, but so is being with someone who is constantly texting. Someone who is looking down at his or her phone always makes me feel like I am less important than whatever the other person’s tiny screen encloses. Conversation dies, and as does my interest in trying to engage. I urge those guilty of this to think of the people they are with and the moment they could be engaging in instead of typing “nm hbu?”
Since people rely on texting so much, many are extremely critical of how to type. I have been berated because of my lack of emojis and constant usage of ‘k’. There are these unwritten rules of texting and if you don't follow them, you are misinterpreted. For me, texting is an emotionless outlet that holds little to no meaning, and is instead a convenient way of conveying messages. Without interpersonal interactions, something will always be missing. Facial expressions, touch, overall presence is vital to cultivating significant relationships; so why settle for something that lacks all that?
The first time I texted my friend from high school in months was simply asking if I could visit her. A couple weeks later, I was in the same state as her and we were sharing laughs, memories and stories as if we were never apart. Texting is not essential for sustaining relationships. If they are true, they can withstand the lack of eyes constantly being glued to screens. When people are soaking up the moment and the company, that is what incredible memories are made of.
