The Keystroke Messaging Article
Dont take away my view!?
from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
Today I bring to the table my thoughts on a particular subject which has been plaguing me for some time now. It is related to the phenomenon that has swept the world, the idea of non-vocal communication. This includes mobile phone messaging, email, chat rooms and instant messaging programs. Are these are godsend or a curse?
Of course from a business perspective many of the aforementioned are a godsend as they increase productivity by saving time. But if we all thought from a business perspective we wouldn't be very interesting bloggers would we?
I am taking it from the personal perspective here, and my main argument is that when we are communicating via a text based medium with no vocal or physical interaction, it is much easier for us to express ourselves and say things we would not normally be comfortable saying to someone else.
Now although I am discussing please bear in mind, that I to enjoy a good chat, message, email etc. as much as the next person, I just think it is something we should be wary of.
When meeting someone for the first time, to grab a mobile number is usually not to initiate a conversation at a later time but to lead off in a textversation. In this, the guy has more time to think of witty or thoughtful replies, while the girl has plenty of time to construct pleasant emoticons. All the while there are no awkward silences, no thinking back and saying 'I should have said this or that'. Now although this seems like the perfect way around the flawed system known as 'courting' (The animals have it much easier, if all I had to do was dance around and squeeze a little gas I would be your regular Hugh Heffner) is it the right way to be starting a relationship, be it romantic or friendly with someone. It definitely gives us the buffer zone to over-emote or share moments at a stage in the relationship where we still don't know each others surnames. Are we building unreal expectations of this person in our minds before we meet them face to face again (or for the first time)? Textversations lack privacy, lack feeling and generally seem very mechanical.
On the other hand, in our modern manufactured society, is this the outlet we need to be able to express our true selves, without worrying about the possible humility that awaits us if we say the wrong thing? Textversations are an easy scapegoat if you stumble, you can always use the excuse that you were just joking, or that you were meant to send it to someone else. Maybe it's just what we need in an age where every moment we face so many social pressures and self-esteem in a lot of people is already at rock bottom.
Personally, as stated I love emailing and messaging, however, as many of my friends will know, I am very anti-messaging when it comes to meeting people (generally the female assortment) for the first time. To me it feels weird and I prefer to read and get a better understanding of people by talking face to face, even over the phone is a bit uncomfortable. Maybe I'm just shallow and am too busy staring at the girl I am trying to meet, messaging would just take that lovely view away
Of course from a business perspective many of the aforementioned are a godsend as they increase productivity by saving time. But if we all thought from a business perspective we wouldn't be very interesting bloggers would we?
I am taking it from the personal perspective here, and my main argument is that when we are communicating via a text based medium with no vocal or physical interaction, it is much easier for us to express ourselves and say things we would not normally be comfortable saying to someone else.
Now although I am discussing please bear in mind, that I to enjoy a good chat, message, email etc. as much as the next person, I just think it is something we should be wary of.
When meeting someone for the first time, to grab a mobile number is usually not to initiate a conversation at a later time but to lead off in a textversation. In this, the guy has more time to think of witty or thoughtful replies, while the girl has plenty of time to construct pleasant emoticons. All the while there are no awkward silences, no thinking back and saying 'I should have said this or that'. Now although this seems like the perfect way around the flawed system known as 'courting' (The animals have it much easier, if all I had to do was dance around and squeeze a little gas I would be your regular Hugh Heffner) is it the right way to be starting a relationship, be it romantic or friendly with someone. It definitely gives us the buffer zone to over-emote or share moments at a stage in the relationship where we still don't know each others surnames. Are we building unreal expectations of this person in our minds before we meet them face to face again (or for the first time)? Textversations lack privacy, lack feeling and generally seem very mechanical.
On the other hand, in our modern manufactured society, is this the outlet we need to be able to express our true selves, without worrying about the possible humility that awaits us if we say the wrong thing? Textversations are an easy scapegoat if you stumble, you can always use the excuse that you were just joking, or that you were meant to send it to someone else. Maybe it's just what we need in an age where every moment we face so many social pressures and self-esteem in a lot of people is already at rock bottom.
Personally, as stated I love emailing and messaging, however, as many of my friends will know, I am very anti-messaging when it comes to meeting people (generally the female assortment) for the first time. To me it feels weird and I prefer to read and get a better understanding of people by talking face to face, even over the phone is a bit uncomfortable. Maybe I'm just shallow and am too busy staring at the girl I am trying to meet, messaging would just take that lovely view away
