A new Nielsen Mobile survey shows that cell phone users send off text messages more than they are making phone calls. Is this a good thing, bad thing and does it promote antisocial behavior?
The allure of texting is both simplicity and near-instant gratification. Why have a conversation to say “see you in 10″ when a quick message could be sent? Recipients tend to reply quickly, giving the sender a feeling of instant satisfaction (one apparently not available when talking or leaving a voice mail) but does texting – and the use of technology – lead to antisocial behavior?
Antisocial can be defined as: (shunning contact with others) “standoffish and antisocial”; “
If find that technology has allowed me to keep in contact with friends more frequently than ever before. I send a quick text, I send an email, I get a Twitter… The conversation as to the point and meaningful, not simply wasting time. I enjoy the contact I have, and I try to have as much as possible. Actually, with the schedules my friends keep technology has allowed us to keep in contact where as actually talking – face to face or phone – would be difficult due to family or work. So, is the use of technology antisocial or simply efficient?
Will teenagers lose the art of conversation, will they not know how to act, and will the art of writing be lost to “lolz”? Will the lack of human contact, actually human interaction, lead to a generation that is unable to fit into society?
I could see a case being made in either direction, now it’s time for some psychologists to get cracking on the research aspect of this!
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