Texting vs. Calling, Essay Example

“Times are a ‘changing.” Famous words wrote by Bob Dylan but echoed throughout history. As times continue to change, technology is constantly improving and providing innovative ways to communicate. Advances in technology have provided people around the world to stay connected at a moment’s glance. Within minutes people across the country can be connected over the internet in order to, interact face-to-face, through emails, chats, texts, and on the phone. Changes in technology to mobile communication with the invention of the cellphone in 1977 have made it easier for people to chat. With the addition of text messaging it has become a popular method since the early 2000s. However many people feel that text messaging has surpassed talking on the phone. There are several similarities between the two methods and many differences as well. The purpose of this paper is compare and contrast the two popular methods of communications in order to showcase that talking on the phone is still better in terms of business, personal, and emergency situations.

The cellphone was initially invented in the 70’s and required a lot of equipment in order to work. Times have improved the design to a more sleeker, tinier, and easier to use models. Now on a cellphone people can access the internet, send and receive emails, listen to music, play games, and other features. The primary purpose of the cellphone, however, has not changed and remains as a communication tool in order for people to make and receive phone calls from around the world. According to Pew Internet over 56% of adult Americans own a smartphone (cellphone) which includes texting. While only 35%, of adults own a “dumb” phone or basic cellphone. (Smith) This figure further implies that people still use their voice for basic necessities such as voice calling. Many people still own a standard phone operated by a phone line, but a majority of Americans are utilizing a cellphone as their primary phone. Phones have served the people as one of the few ways to have conversations on the go at any time. While both methods give the option of communication in a hurry, voice calling is different as it is the primary method in emergency situations.

Calling on the phone has always provided a more personal and professional conversation. Talking on the phone allows for people to iterate their words without sending the wrong message, unlike text messaging. Voice calls have long allowed people to hear the emotions in people’s voice, which is useful, for personal conversations. There are “three components of effective communications: body language accounts for 55 percent, voice tone for 38 percent and spoken words for 7 percent.” (Chron) When a person is going through an event either happy or sad, hearing the other persons voice brings them comfort and confirmation on their condolences. In contrast sending text messages in order to convey a personal message might be construed or misinterpreted by the receiver, due to lack of proper punctuation. On a professional level, voice calling is still utilized in all companies. Businesses rely on voice calls for customer service, business calls, and other uses that benefit the business. According to Chron, “Telephone communication may be slower than its new-media counterparts, but it still has benefits in an increasingly impersonal world.” (Chron)

Phone calling provides a secondary option from face-to-face contact, when that person is unavailable. Voice calls also ensure that people can provide backup services through voicemail messages that is not restricted from character length or a keypad. Voice calling provides professionals with the ability to provide confidential information without the chance of interference, security breech, or misinterpretation. Text messaging can leave a paper trail that can used as legal documentation used as evidence long after deletion. Although voice calling can be safety hazard while driving, Bluetooth technology has enabled drivers to safely place calls without endangering drivers. Text messages, however, pose a great danger when people utilize text messaging applications while driving. Safety is big concern, and when people place sensitive or confidential information in text messages they can be intercepted or retrieved even after it is deleted from the phone.

Since the invention of the cellphone, text messaging was added in 1995 and became popularized in the 2000s. Text messaging is the ability to use their cellphone to create and sent short messages typed on the keypad to other cell phones. Text messaging provides a convenient and faster way to communicate and receive response from other people. Unlike voice calling, text messaging can be more private especially in a public environment where voice calls may disrupt other people or disturb other conversations. Text messaging is one of the more popular forms of communication for teenagers and young adults, according to the latest surveys, “63 percent of teens text every day, compared to only 39 percent making or taking cell phone calls daily.” (Grandoni) Texting has greatly superseded voice calls and the number is increasing among the upcoming generation.

Texting is fast and convenient that saves cellphones battery life and monthly bill. Cell phone companies provide monthly plans that give unlimited text messaging plans unlike voice call, minutes that can charge per minute or whenever they surpassed the limit set. Text messaging also provides people to send multimedia files such as pictures, music, and other files that people aren’t able to do through a voice call. While people can describe pictures or music text messaging allows for the receiver to obtain it personally. Text messaging can create a rapid back and forth response when that person isn’t able to be on the phone such as, in a movie, during school, work, and other places. Texting allows for the person to think before responding which decreases less misinterpretations and confusion. Texting is also a fun way to communicate especially for younger individuals, “Americans aged 18–29 send and receive an average of roughly 88 text messages on a daily basis, compared to only 17 voice calls.” (ControlMobile) Text messaging is increasing because of its simple function that lets people continue with their activities without being interrupted by a phone call. Text messages are more direct, and even when that person is unavailable, they can still receive the text message where voice calls would usually have to leave a short voicemail. Many people feel that text messaging is a more indirect way conservation that lets people that might be uncomfortable talking on the phone to get their message across through text messaging. According to respondent surveyed, “Teens tell us how [texting is] more efficient, how they don’t have to go through the preamble and niceties [of a phone conversation],” (Hadhazy)

In conclusion, texting and voice calling are both ways to communicate effectively with others. They both require mobile phones to have a signal and when they lose signals both the features will not work. Text messaging and voice calling can both be unlimited dependent on the phone company, and can also be costly. However, voice calling can be personal and professional while text messaging can be impersonal and unprofessional. Both are easy to use and can be used internationally with just a signal. However, when an emergency needs to be made a person cannot text 911 for now, but placing a phone call will get a quicker response. Text messaging can create awkward face to face interactions because so many young people depend on text messaging as their primary way of communication. Both methods will continue to be the primary methods of communicating, as both are beneficial to the user. For now voice phone calls will continue to be the best way to communicate personally and professionally around the world.

Works Cited

Grandoni, Dino. “Texting Dominates As Teens And Young Adults Make Fewer Phone Calls.” Huffington Post. 8 July, 2010. Web. 11 Aug, 2013. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/18/texting-phone-calls_n_1683756.html

Hadhazy, Adam. “Teens Prefer Texting vs. Calling … Except to Parents.” TechNews Daily. 20 Aug, 2010. Web. 11 Aug, 2013. http://www.technewsdaily.com/359-teens-prefer-texting-vs-calling-except-to-parents.html http://www.technewsdaily.com/359-teens-prefer-texting-vs-calling-except-to-parents.html

Nestor-Harper, Mary. “The Importance of Telephone Communication in Business.” Chron. 2013. Web. 11 Aug. 2013. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-telephone-communication-business-22150.html

“Psychological Effects of Texting vs. Voice Call.” ControlMobile.com. n.d. Web. 11 Aug 2013. http://controlmobile.com/2013/03/28/psychological-effects-of-texting-vs-voice-call/

Smith, Aaron. “Smartphone Ownership 2013.” Pew Internet. 5 Jun 2013. Web. 11 Aug 2013. http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Smartphone-Ownership-2013.aspx