The 2000s introduced a new form of communication to society: the text message. Contrary to popular belief, newer does not mean better. The text message is by far the worst possible form of communication because people misuse it. Text messages are great when used properly. Unfortunately, many use the text as a substitute for proper communication.

Text messages are good for setting up plans, for having a steady stream of conversation with someone that you know very well, for group projects, and for letting your mom know that you are not somewhere on the roadside dead. Texts are short, they are convenient, and were not intended for any form of depth. Yet, for some strange reason, people have taken the humble text message and used it to try to form relationships.

Here is the problem with that: 38 percent of communication is determined by voice quality while 55 percent of communication is determined by nonverbal cues. Seven percent of communication is determined by words. Have you ever wondered why so much is miscommunicated over a text? You are only receiving seven percent of what that person is trying to communicate to you.

How is it possible to form a relationship -- friendship or otherwise – via text message? It isn’t. How long is your average text message? Probably about one to two lines long. Now, tell me -- when you are reading a book, how long does it take for you to understand a character’s personality? How many paragraphs does the author have set aside to describe the character? Does the character still surprise you halfway through the book?

My sister and I are writers. We spend pages upon pages outlining the details of our characters because they are entirely too complicated to be condensed into one. Real people are infinitely more complicated than a fictional character. I would have to send novels from my cell phone in order for the person who I am texting to have an idea of who I am.

Also, would you really want to get to know someone over a text message? Do you prefer to see them as words on screen surrounded by dorky smiley faces? I don’t. If I am texting someone, I like to know them well enough to where I can read it in their voice. I want to be able to understand their sense of humor. I want to be able to hear their voice inflections as I am reading their message. If I don’t get to know someone in person, then I will not have any of this.

If you are trying to get to know someone, is it really that much harder to pick up a phone and call them? Why are so many people afraid of talking on a phone? Is it because you aren’t hiding anymore, because suddenly the person that you are talking to is real? Are you afraid of actually getting to know this person? That is something that you may need to consider. If you are not willing or too scared to have a conversation with someone over a phone call, you should not be texting them at all.

In short, texts should be reserved for making plans or other subjects lacking depth because any conversation held over text messaging has no meaning. If you want to get to know someone, give them a call or hang out with them in person. You will save yourself a lot of heartache. If someone is not willing to do this for you, hold out for the relationship that will give you more than seven percent.