It's hip, it's advanced and it's coming for you. It's text messaging! If you are one of the few students on campus who does not have text messaging, let's just say you are way behind the times.
Text messaging is a current phenomenon that has exploded in recent years. It is catching on everywhere. Even ASU is catching on; according to President Michael Crow, "The ASU University Technology Office is currently evaluating technology for purchase that would allow for the transmission of university information via text messaging." This system would not only send text messages to student's cell phones, but it would also send voicemail and emails to notify students and staff in the case of a campus emergency.
Text messaging is changing the way we communicate; however, this might not always be socially beneficial.
I am passionately against text messaging in most situations. Although there is no doubt that text messaging can be quick and convenient, it is destroying our personal communication skills in society.
For most students, text messaging is their primary form of communication with their friends.
This is where the problem starts. Where do we draw the line between texting because it's convenient, and texting because it is non-confrontational?
Text messaging is the most impersonal form of communication. Sure, you hooked that hottie's digits (lol), but continuously communicating to people through text can be a negative thing. Text messaging is simply a lousy method of communicating.
You've heard of cell phone etiquette, now what about text messaging etiquette?
Texting on your phone at an inappropriate time or in a rude manner is just as bad as those cell phone pet peeves we all have.
First of all, don't text and drive. I'm guilty; we all have done it. Refrain from holding your phone in your line of sight with the road. Focusing a portion of your attention on text messaging while driving seems efficient but the time you save by texting while driving isn't worth the danger you are putting yourself and others into.
Talking is dangerous enough, but texting? Get real.
Call me old fashioned, but when it comes to dating and relationships, texting just doesn't cut it. In "the old days" people actually called one another over the telephone to ask someone out on a date. Complements and arguments were handled in-person and rejection was not filtered by proximity and plastic. Let's face it, texting is the easy way out, especially for new relationships. It is a way for people to avoid the fear of possibly engaging in awkward phone conversations right off the bat. Texting can't be classified as a legitimate conversation and it is difficult to completely get to know someone through texting. In addition, text messaging also allows for people to tell someone things they normally wouldn't say face to face. Aside from being impersonal and non-confrontational texting can be perceived as impolite.
Picture yourself eating with your friends and every two seconds there's an annoying vibration or cheesy (melodic) jingle. Your friend whips out his or her phone again and again and the clicking and clacking of the key pad ensues. Many of you experience this in social situations daily. As annoying as it can be in a social setting, texters shouldn't let their social time with friends be consumed by texting.
It's downright rude. When you're with your friends, be with your friends and stop holding long text message conversations with people who aren't there.
I beg all you ASU guys and gals to stop the text and start the chatter; it's the polite and personal way to meet new people at ASU.
Reach the reporter at: lauren.misak@asu.edu.
