In all aspects of life communication is vital. We communicate at the grocery store, work and with anyone we come in contact with. Communication is extremely important in any relationship whether it’s a friendship or a business partnership being able to communicate is key. In today’s world with the boom of technology it has changed the way we communicate drastically in the past 20 years. With the innovation of cell phones where we can send a text message and utilize social media apps, internet and just about anything we want with the touch of our fingers.
Thus, causing the interest in face-to-face communication to lose its importance. Since we can talk to anyone across the world with the use of text message and social media. Therefore, decreasing the need to actually talk to someone in person and utilize those communication skills we’ve learned throughout our lives.
The evolution of communication has caused many people to wonder have we lost the art of communication?
Traditional Face-to-Face Communication
Before, cell phones communication was done strictly through face-to-face interaction, phone conversation or through letter form. Now with abundance of people with cell phones communication has changed. According, to statistics these days many people with cell phones prefer texting over a phone call. Although contrary to popular belief it’s not just the younger generation who prefer texting over talking. The change in communication is creating a divide of some sorts between “texters and talkers.”
Many people are quick to say they prefer texting over talking, because its quick and easy and doesn’t take up too much time. However, according to experts who claim that successful communicators will use a combination of both.
Having the ability to both communicate verbally and through text citing both skills are necessary to be an effective communicator. But many experts are noticing more and more and tend for many Americans are losing the ability to have a traditional face-face conversation.
Which do you prefer texting or face-to-face communication? Comment below.
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Great post topic. I prefer face to face. Texting feels like an easy way out. Body signals important in communication are lost.
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I agree body signals are important. Thanks for reading!
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Texting and f2f communication both serve a purpose. Sometimes you need to see seated in front of someone and look at their face and read their body language to understand what is meant and what is needed. However, a sit not is not requires in ever instance.
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So true.
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Thanks for reading!
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Some say the advent of the smartphone was one of the biggest and best technological advances of the 20th century. I would agree and disagree. I agree it has definitely improved my quality of life in many ways. But it has also degraded the art of interpersonal communication. I hear some women say, “his conversation is wack.” “we just sat there, looking at each other.” Or, “I did all the talking and his answers were one word.” Well, that has a lot to do with the fact that you’ve been texting most of the time. Text or SMS, means, Short Media Service. Keyword: “Short.” Not texted-books, not conversations. As a result, now the art of the great conversation is lacking when you are sitting in front of each other. I prefer talking vs. texting. I prefer, in face vs. over-the-phone. Communication comes in various forms, and texting isn’t all bad. That being said, you should never use it as the main way you communicate. Communication has evolved in terms of the various outlets to do so. However, it has devolved, in regards to interpersonal communication.
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I love the idea that the texting is quicker than talking because it is only true in certain scenarios. Talking will always win when you need answers to specific questions I think, especially in a work setting. I have lost count over time of texts or emails where people seem unable to read or respond…you might as well talk. 🙂
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Hydridism. The Middle Path. The thin line snaking through the middle of the Yin-yang. Texts are good for random items from the grocery store, and spontaneous reminders of affection. Phone calls are good for anything that really matters or is serious, like Grandma dying. The study of language and its evolution is very important. Thanks for raising the subject.
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There is something always very special about face to face interaction. Yes, texting has its place but let me see your face and all the emotional communication that takes place with it.
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I prefer talking. I like to hear someone’s tone, their emotions, etc. I feel like people are forgetting “how” to talk. There are people that I know that are quiet as mice but will text your head off lol. I refuse to text anymore. Everybody has to old school it and call me. 🙂
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I think we need both text and face to face or at least phone to phone if you are not in the same geographical location. Texting is useful but not so good for communicating.
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I prefer face to face communication. Phone calls are nice and letters are nice. But, face to face is the best way. 🙂
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I agree face to face communication is the best to me as well. Thanks for reading!
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I always tell my friends this. If we’re sitting at the dinner table and you’re texting, I’d rather you go have dinner with the person you’re texting. I spend time with the people I’m spending time with!
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I said all of that to say I prefer face to face! Talking! Lol
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I understand communication is important especially at the dinner table. Thanks for reading!
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I’m a firm believer in the power of communication and believe there is a balnce to be struck between face to face communication and texting…it totally depends on the situation. That said, I lean towards the traditional forms, face to face and phone calls, but spend my day emailing and texting…after all I do have teenagers, work as an exec in the corporate world with colleagues barely older than my kids! Like most things, there’s no blank and white answer but lots of shades of gray.
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If you go and speak to somebody, that gives you time to think about what you are going to say. You may forget your initial anger, an inappropriate emotion which you might have included in a text reply sent straightaway
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Great point. Thanks for sharing!
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I love this posted topic! While I understand and appreciate the convenience and real-time access to information afforded to us by smartphones and social media,but emoji’s, memes and Instagram does not and can not replace interpersonal skills, face to face communication, or the art of relationship building as humans-social beings. Empathy, compassion, reading expressions, inflections, body language are all important to communication and can not be replaced or replicated by a text. Moderation works!
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I agree 100% with all your points. Thanks for reading & sharing!
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As a person with a a speech impediment it is complicated. Texting is good for me, because it is quicker and things come out more clear. But I still love talking that is one-on-one and not one the phone because I can catch the body language, facial expressions, emotion, etc. Give me a chance to talk and I’ll do it. I just have to take my time and the listener must be patient. Verbal communication.👏🏾
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I think I prefer face-face over texting because it really makes you get to know the person. However these days texting is more convenient, but I don’t think it’s superior!
Pearl || thepearlylife.wordpress.com
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I prefer talking face to face or over the phone. A wuick text here and there is good but it’s not my main way to communicate.
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I think texting can deal with a lot of stuff one might not be too comfortable saying face to face. Also it is sometimes less intrusive. But talking wins hands down for clarity in communication!
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Honestly it depends on the topic and the person. Some times, I just need to write it down and send it off. Other times, I need that human interaction that a text message just can’t do.
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I prefer face to face. I hate texting and if l use 5 minutes out of my 500 minute allotment per month, it’s a big deal :-). I only have the phone ‘cos they gave a free line with my husband’s plan. I do like it for playing scrabble and word with friends on the go though ;-).
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I prefer face to face. For me I can convey greater meaning. And avoid misunderstandings. It is important to use effective listening skills.
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I do both, but I prefer F2F for serious things. Letting know my status works with txt, but not everything.
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Texting is good for everyday requests, but If I have something important to say that’s personal, I’d rather talk face to face. Texting is to impersonal.
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I usually text to ‘talk’ to my son during the week. It takes less time than a phone call and I know he is busy … with a text he can respond in his own time. I was never a fan of the phone call. Of course face to face is the best way to talk to him.
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I prefer face to face. I also prefer calling a person before texting
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Indeed I love personal to talk in personal. But if to choose between talking and texting, I would prefer talking over the phone to atleast here the voice. For me its the same of body gestures or facial expressions.
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I am definitely more to the side of texting or sending an email. I hate talking on the phone unless it is with people like my sister. And since I don’t live near any of my family or friends, in-person rarely happens. Of course important things are done over phone or FaceTime but I like my quick and to the point emails and texts.
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That’s easy, face-to-face and mostly hate texting. I only use it for coordinating things & with my kids who insist on it so if you want to talk to them, it’s a text message or 2.
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I think face to face communication is better, but texting can be convenient, I prefer the more personal form of communication these days.
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I think texting is great for certain things like reminding someone to pick up some milk or confirming dinner plans, but for actual conversations nothing really compares to face-to-face in my opinion.
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I do prefer talking face to face. But if I have a choice between texting or calling, I always text. I hate being on the phone.
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Talking face to face, on the phone, talking to your neighbor on the balcony, walking and talking with friends, BRAVO to you! Talking with your mouth or hands is a lost art. Communication is a lost art also. That’s why if you ask someone “how are you?” They look at you with such a look, you think they are going to pass out.
You may know some people that are introverted and that’s why they don’t communicate. Yes I know some people that are – but that doesn’t mean you give up on them. Believe it or not I am an introvert! Introvert – shrinking violet, wallflower, mouse, iceberg, icicle, coldfish per Merriam-Webster dictionary. Okay that’s enough from me now! Have a great day! 🌺😉
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I prefer face-to-face communication but when that is not possible I prefer phone calls to texting. I just don’t get texting at all.
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I was just talking to my husband about this. It seems no one talks anymore. We are always texting instead of actually conversing. it is a lost art.
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I’m a face to face communicator second to the phone and lastly by text but only for personal communications. For everything else, I write.
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I prefer talking and I try to make it a habit to call and check in with friends. Texting is easier but I like the voice to voice connections better.
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I definitely prefer talking over texting but texting has it’s benefits. When you really aren’t up to talking or get intimidated in person.
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Family I always prefer face to face or even on the phone, but friends I tend to text. It’s always nice to finally see friends face to face but sometimes text is much more convenient.
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I agree with the loss. I am also guilty of it. I miss the talking on the phone instead of texting.
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My friend decided to get off social media and send us a message that she will no longer be using this as a form of communication. I had brunch with her face to face and I promised her I will do better reaching out and setting up personal days to meet in person we have to get back to that part of communication.
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Nothing beats face to face conversation. It is more sincere. It is sad sometimes that texting has taken over actual conversation. Would you believe that I was witness to one of my friends receiving a text message from her husband telling her that it is over between them. Married 8 years and he ends it with a text message. Unbelievable.
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I definitely prefer a mix of both. Texting is a great way to share info that doesn’t require a full conversation (please pick up milk, I’ll be there in 5 min, etc) I also like to use it to just send a “I hope you have a great day” or “thinking about you” message.
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I am a texter. There are some people that I prefer face to face with though.
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I usually don’t like to text because things that are meant to be funny can be taken the wrong way. I love talking to people over the phone.
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There is something about texting that is a little intriguing especially if you are someone who suffers from anxiety or some sort of social anxiety. However there is something to be said about how meaningful and genuine face to face communication is as it allows you to really see the expressions and mannerisms one has when they are excited about something, vulnerable, etc. It invokes a more genuine and long lasting relationship/friendship/connection. I also feel like if you master face to face communication with someone, texting them gets easier and a lot more fun.
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I’m definitely a fan both. There are some discussions that are better left said in person because you can’t discern emotion all the time via text.
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Interesting thoughts. I’d like to say that I prefer text, but that’s not the case. I prefer face-to-face communication. Texting can be a lot of work, and it’s easy to lose the conversation – slow responses, distractions, etc.
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Great Post, I know now a days communication can be more easy because internet but I think for me always the best way will be face to face, meet people in person.
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