The Texting Generation

But what about texting?  Isn’t that just another way of hiding behind the screen?  Call me old fashioned, but I just don’t see what people get out of texting.  Wouldn’t it be easier to just dial the person’s phone number and have a two-way conversation?  I don’t think anyone could type as fast as they can talk.  I admit that on a couple of occasions, while sitting in a meeting or knowing the recipient is in a meeting, have texted to tell them something that just hit my mind.  But what about the other hours of the day?

I guess I wouldn’t wonder as much if it weren’t for the numerous accidents that occur while people are texting.  I know of several people in my small circle that text while driving.  How is it possible to pay attention to the road when you are texting someone?  I have yet to see someone who is able to text without looking at their cell phone or Blackberry.  Each day, texters are killed in car crashes—or have caused an accident.  Stupid accidents, such as falling off of curbs or tripping over something on the ground have happened as a result of texting. 

That doesn’t bother me as much as when you are out or spending time with someone who is glued to their phone.   Do you ever feel like you could have stayed home from the amount of conversation you actually had with this person?  It takes rudeness to another level.  I often turn my cell phone off when I’m out with someone because I believe that we are out for a purpose—to spend time together, get to know each other better, have quality time.  Lately, I won’t even have lunch with my texting coworker as her phone is always in her hand, beeping and ringing.  It gets old—and tiring—after  a while.

I dream of a world where one day, people will come out of their homes (and their cars), lean over mutual fences and speak to their neighbors—face to face, in peace, without the sound of a melodic beep.