As I read all the posts on text messaging posted by Kristen, Melissa and others I thought it was very interesting. Text messaging is similar to talking on the internet in a lot of respects except you don't have to be sitting in front of your computer to be texting someone else.
In Suler's reading he talks about text mediated relationships on the internet. "Essentially, you can preserve large chunks of the relationship with your online companion, maybe even the entire relationship if you only communicated via typed-text. At your leisure you can review what you and your partner said, cherish important momemnts in the relationship, and reexamine misunderstandings and conflicts." Doing that kind of thing is basically impossible to do with in person relationships where you have to rely strictly on memory. As said in previous readings done for this class it is reiterated that conversations on the internet last forever. I think that this is a bad thing because it causes people to go back and re-read their conversations either on their phone or computer and because it is not delievered in person, you can only assume the tone of voice of the sender. This can lead to misinterpretations for both parties, making in person relationships seem like the way to go.
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Do you text? I do, and I know I have misinterpreted a person's intentions. I like what you said in your post.
ReplyDeleteP.S. -- One of my kids wrote a research paper on the premise that Coco Chanel was a powerful feminist. What do you think?
I agree, and I think you're definitely right that there's a catch-22 with texting. Not only does it add the potential for misunderstandings, but I couldn't imagine a relationship based primarily on a method of communication that's so detached, mentally. I text more than I talk on the phone; it's more convenient and I don't often get a stretch of time where I can dedicate my attentions to a voice call. Text has a bigger lag between messages than IM (or voice, obviously). That difference in focus required would be a big deal to me in a relationship. Texting with someone you're dating is great, but as a supplement to seeing them and calling. If you can't devote a certain amount of time & focus to a person, are you really doing the relationship justice?
ReplyDeleteKristen- yes I do text, and I can't even count the amount of times I have misinterpreted what the other person is trying to say...it can be very frustrating and further reinforces what we are all saying that relationships should not be strictly text based...why stress over trying to figure out what the other person is actually trying to say? why not just call them? But I guess the answer to that question is that many times texting is just more convient and time efficient than getting stuck on the phone with someone for hours especially today when everyone is busy going from one thing to the next.
ReplyDeleteIn response to the Coco Chanel question...I don't know that I have ever thought of her as a feminist, and its a very interesting thought. I guess I've always just looked at her as a visionary when it came to fashion, but I don't know alot about her background; I just know I love her designs and I hope one day to be able to afford them! But that paper sounds incredibly interesting...would you mind sending it to me? I'd love to read it....ked210@lehigh.edu...thanks!