How Text Messages and Social Media devalued Personal Communication

how text messages and social media devalued personal communication

-Earl G. Graves Sr.

We live in a world of mobile devices and social media, text messages and status updates. Thanks to amazing advancements in communication tools and technologies, we are sharing and accessing ever-increasing volumes of information. We can actually measure our communications influence over hundreds of thousands–even millions–of people, all over the globe.

However, in all the ways that matter to developing quality personal and business relationships, many of us are more disconnected than ever. We communicate, but we are losing our sense of genuine connection with others. This bodes ill for our relationships, both business and personal.

I absolutely appreciate how advances in our ability to move information in larger volumes and faster than ever has helped to drive economies, transform industries, create new job and business opportunities, and even new wealth.

However, it is important to recognize that phone texts with smiley-face symbols are poor substitutes for a handwritten note, a sincere hug, or a firm handshake. Moreover, our increasing reliance on texting and other less-than-personal communication has resulted in less civility, courtesy, and consideration of others. For example, too many people (including politicians, athletes, and other public figures) choose to publicly blast one another via Twitter or Facebook, rather than speak with one another directly to personally iron out their differences.

We are becoming more detached even from our loved ones, as communication via cell phones and tablets replaces more intimate, engaged, and personal conversation, even at family reunions, vacations, and the dinner table.

Social media and mobile communications are not going away, nor should they. But we can be wiser in our use of them. Let’s use them to facilitate, instead of replace, authentic personal communication in both our business and personal lives. Have more real conversations and fewer extended exchanges of text messages. Value opportunities to look people in the eye and really listen. Resist the urge to glance at your mobile device. Text fewer heart symbols; instead, call to say “I love you" more often.

When in the company of a friend, family member, or business associate, have the courage and wisdom to turn off your devices, if only for a few minutes. Honor your friend by being fully engaged and present. Trust me: the world won’t end. And all of us, especially you, will be the better for it.

advantage of social media

disadvantage of social media

1. we can share and access volumes of information2. Transform industries, create new job and business opportunities and even health

1.we are losing our sense of genuine connection with others2. increasing reliance on texting that has resulted in less civility, courtesy and consideration of others

Let's use social media and mobile devices to facilitate instead of replacing authentic personal communication!

Thank you!