Losing the Tone

     While we were discussing the TED video the other day, particularly the part about relationships and whether or not it is better to text message your significant other or if it is better to verbally communicate on the phone. I honestly believe in both. I believe that there are short little messages here and there during the day that just reassure the other person that you are thinking of them and that you care about them. I do believe that the verbal communication is essential when having a disagreement or you are needing to talk about something more serious.

     My belief is based off of the the loss of tone in text messaging. People can say simple words, but the tone in which they use makes a world of a difference. If you are arguing with someone or just talking about a touchy subject, a simple "ok" can be misconstrued, and before you know it, you are both more irritated then when you began.

     This following article at the bottom of the page, states that researchers have found that punctuation and the presence of "smileys" in text messages are the ways in which tone can be conveyed. I do agree that while these elements do assist in comprehending someone's tone, I do not always feel like writing a smile or three exclamation marks at the end of a message to ensure that someone knows I'm not upset with them.

     In conclusion, I love the fact that we have technology and that text messaging is a very valuable means of communication, but I just believe that there are appropriate times in which to use or not use it.

    "It's not what you say, but rather how you say it." -My Parents

http://www.sigchi.org/chi96/proceedings/videos/Wong/yyw_txt.htm