The Keystroke Messaging Article

Dont take away my view!?

Published on September 9, 2004 By TheCassMan In Blogging

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

Comments

kingbee

on Sep 09, 2004

it is much easier for us to express ourselves and say things we would not normally be comfortable saying to someone else

im not sure thats the case. its very easy to misunderstand or misperceive text statements because theres no inflection or visual cues to add nuance. on the other hand, having to type things out should help to prevent expressing an idea or replying without thinking. notice i said 'should'

Muggaz

on Sep 09, 2004

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

With 8 little playbunnies?

I concur - however, remember those little conversations we have at work about dones and did's? are you not afraid of your gramatical contruction when you are courting a young lady? I think you are far more attractive with your written articulation rather than your spoken word

I certainly agree with your sentiments regarding body language... little bit's of eye contact mean everything... body language is tres important - a lot of people can feign confidence and certainty in the written word - it's easy to hide insecurities. Alas, I share the same problem of mis-guided concentration when it comes to conversation

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Sep 09, 2004

Yay, I got my article! We have become a society dependent on such technology. I remember new years eve last year, and when the clock struck midnight, people weren't hugging, and kissing, they were all on their mobile phones, ringing people that they weren't with. It struck me as odd then, but thats where the times are moving. I think as long as there is a good balance, of all kinds of communication there shouldn't be a problem. I've being told that during text conversations, I come across pretty retarded, hehe. Where as when I'm speaking, I come across a little more intelligent. Who knows. I get the opportunity to build friendships with people I never would, because of messenger and such, and for that I am grateful. I so want to waffle on, but I won't....great article

H-Bomb

on Sep 16, 2004

I swear me and my dad were having this exact conversation....we were laughing and joking around that how in thousands of years even hundreds of years, humans won't be communicating at all.

We will have forgotten how to speak all together, we will be standing right in front of someone having a conversation with them, but instead of talking to them we will have these new inventions like little hand held computers and will will be talking to each other through those instead of speaking, because by that time the human body will be created without a mouth.

scary part is...that conversation left me thinking and alittle scared!!! cos its so true.........just glad i won't be around when it happens!!!!!

cutepablo

on Aug 30, 2006

good!

why do you state 'article' at the end of each blog heading?

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