Recently I've been thinking about all of the text messaging I do. It seems so easy and fast without the bother of stopping to give someone your full attention for a conversation. I started thinking that this popular advance in technology, which has become an increasingly standardized form of communication for generations X, Y, & Z is actually reminiscent of Mores Code.
Wikipedia, my favorite online source of information, states that in speed contests between expert Morse code (which was developed in 1836) operators and expert cellphone SMS text messaging users, Morse code has consistently won. This is so much fun to think about.
Most of us don't remember how exciting it was to get the first phones and be able to actually talk to another human being rather than dash-dot-dash a communication across the world with electrical pulses. How ironic – we're doing it again. The improvement in technology is that we can carry these devices with us everywhere. When we are out of the service area (aircraft, tunnels, rural areas, and other no coverage areas) we feel disconnected and alone.
It amazes me how much it has opened up my ability to communicate in a timely manner. I think about if my Grandmother were alive now and even slightly mobile device savy – I could write to her all the time. As a kid, I would could have easily texed my parents to let them know where I was, what I was up to, and when I'd be home. Instead I was in trouble all the time because I didn't take the time to find a phone (pay phone) and make the call. I was busy having fun.
I think we've actually increased our communication capacity. I find that when I am thinking of someone, I am much more likely to let them know about my thoughts if they have a mobile device. My next likely form of communication is email. Then I'll sit down and take the time to call, but only if I can commit to giving the attention a conversation takes. Finally – I will sit down and put pen to paper and send a letter or a card, because it's just nice sometimes to get a letter in the mail.
I believe that in our desire to remain constantly connected, we have sacrificed some of the beauty of our language and the quality and intention of our communication has taken a steep dive. While texting we abbreviate our thoughts to make them short and sweet. I received a hand written note in the mail today. Though is too was short and sweet – I felt a certain connection with the person by being able to experience the hand writing style and the rhythm of their words. It was personal and warm.
As I reflect over my preferred forms of communication, I realize that you're more likely to get a text from me than an email, call, or letter. I might just surprise you though – because more than anything I love the rhythm of language – and here you are reading it so you probably do too. Call your mother.
TK