Calling vs Texting

Like the rest of the teenage population, I text. Way back when, I would text nonstop. But I look back on that now, and realize it was a complete waste of time. I never needed to really talk to that person. I was just bored. Most of the time, the conversations would be like this:


Me- "Hey"
So and so- "Hey"
Me- "What's up?"
So and so- "Nothin much. You?"
Me- "Nothin much."


And this pointless banter would continue for maybe 15 minutes, or even an hour. Nothing productive came from these texts.



Over the course of the 2010-2011 school year, I have made more phone calls than before. And I realized that I had much more meaningful conversation when I actually called and talked with them. I love being able to hear their voice rather than read from a screen. Now, this doesn't mean I hate texting. Texting is really useful when I am not in a situation to call, or honestly just don't feel like calling. The key with this is to know when to end the conversation. Simply ending it will not make the person you are texting mad. So don't worry. 

Benefits:

• Save battery. I noticed my phone's battery has lasted so much longer that I am not constantly texting someone.
• Communication is more meaningful. Awkward silences don't happen as often since you have more to talk about.
• It's less rude. I can't stand hanging out with a friend just to see them constantly staring at a phone screen. It's just not polite!

Texting is great though when you are able to have a conversation over a long period of time. It gives you the opportunity to not respond right away and finish what you are doing. Living in the moment and not texting go hand in hand. Are you busy working on a goal when you receive a text? Finish what you are doing. That text will be there when you are done.

There are probably more benefits for other people, those are just the ones that popped out at me the most.

Don't get me wrong, I do text. It is a great tool. I use it. But I don't overuse it.