Side note this song should be called text me maybe!
I feel sorry for our generation and future generations for a few reasons, but the one I'm going to touch on most is the devolution of communication. We are constantly connected to each other technologically don't get me wrong, but what is missing now is the human touch of communication. And I'm not saying I'm innocent of not doing any of the things that piss me off, but what pisses me off is I partake in them, which in a way makes it seem I'm ok with it, but deep down it saddens me I do it.
First of all the text message. I abuse this more than anything because it is so easy to send out a quick text, then it is to call someone because one they can't answer the phone, or two you are just being lazy. Usually it's a double dose of both. It seems the phone call has been downgraded to appointment making, stupid question asking (work I'm looking at you!), or holiday relative talk. I'll be honest if I get a phone call I will hit ignore sometimes then text them whats up, because it's so much easier to respond that way, and then there's not that awkwardness that seems to be lingering in phone calls. When's the last time you made a call to a friend, before you texted them. Usually the order is text first wait ten minutes, text again, then finally call. If we made that phone call first chances are we might get a text back saying I'm in school and I'll call you when I'm done, or something along that nature. But no we skip to the easy way, and result to the personal way only in desperation, and not the other way around.
Now cell phones, it seems everyone today has a cell phone, and I swear the other day I saw a toddler ordering clothes for herself on Babys R Us on her Iphone. Cell phones have ruined now personal communication. Before if you hung out with a friend, before the invention of the cell phone, you actually hung out with them, not spent half the time checking your phone, or texting your other friends who haven't taken the time out at that moment to hang out with you. The only exception I see is if you are texting a friend who is supposed to be meeting up to hang out, and you are wondering where he is at, but if thats the case CALL! Because if he's driving to meet you at the movies, he shouldn't be texting to respond, because you might cause him to get a ticket which will make him even later, so call! Also kids now a days will never realize the horror of calling their crushes house and having their parents answer the phone, and then quickly gain the ability to come up with a quick white lie and say you are calling to see if she got the homework assignment in math class. Those calls helped build confidence and strong communication skills, and the beginning of awkward silences on phone calls. But not only that you also perfected the trick of picking up the phone and listening to conversations on the other line without anyone noticing ninja style, unless you breathed too hard, or mom was yelling at you take out the garbage. Then came the yelling of DANE!!! over the phone, sorry Sis I love you!!!! With everyone having cell phones that eliminates that crucial part of growing up.
Now Facebook! Before you go off on me saying I'm on Facebook a lot please hear me out. One I love facebook for the ability to share with all your friends, and some I only see online or once in a while at work. But also I love how I have become friends with someone who once tried to fight me, and I think without Facebook that wouldn't be possible. Online social media gives you the option to post things you wouldn't have guts to say in real life, whether it be you don't want to sound coming off cheesy, or it might be because you have the option to delete it and change it if people get pissed off about your opinion. If you say something to a person chances are they usually will remember what you said. The chances of them remembering a status calling so and so a slut a month ago, will more than likely be forgotten, due to peoples huge news streams! But if you call Suzy a slut to someones face, they have the option of saying you said to my face Suzy is a slut and I was there. Also with how fast social media can spread a rumor that would take a school day to get around now has the ability to get around in seconds. For example if you post, Tim cheated on Suzy (I don't hate Suzy's I swear) with Tony, you now have to fires started. One Tim is a cheating scumbag, and Tim and Tony are now both out of the closet. This could spread instantaneously now, but back in the day before the invention of social media it get around a little bit to people realize Suzy started the rumor to get back at Tom because he dumped her for cheating on him. Lesson that is hopefully learned here is learn the truth before spreading it.
That pic pretty much explains communication, and I might add it says Call not text. So here's my challenge to you, and I will take up this challenge too. Put down the phone when you are with friends. If you see that little light blinking saying you have a notification or hear the Zelda sound go off (my phone), don't check it right away and respond (unless its the wife, then do or suffer the consequences!). That text, facebook comment, email ain't going anywhere, but the time someone has put aside to hang out with you has.
p.s. Do notes even get passed in class anymore!!! And if not another crucial moment of growing up has died ! :(
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