Tradition vs. Technology
One doesn’t need to replace the other. They can mutually co-exist in today’s world. Why am I writing about this? Because it seems everywhere I look, everyone feels they need to make a choice between the two. And it applies to so many different things. Think for example, about when you want to communicate with someone. Certain age groups will immediately text via their cell phones, others will send an email because they’re sitting at a computer or carrying a mobile device with email access, and a smaller group will call via cell phone, with the very smallest group actually using a land line and phone someone directly. Ironically, most haven’t even considered seeing someone, face-to-face.
I’m a big believer in the efficiency of using technology for communicating. However, we should all consider the content of a message before automatically assuming that the message will be received the same through all channels of communication. A pet peeve of mine is when I hear someone say “I can’t reach them, they’re not responding to my text.” When I ask if they tried calling, 9 out of 10 times, the answer is “No.” The message content and length should drive the choice of method for communication. If a text message continues through different screens, try emailing. If an email goes beyond a couple paragraphs, try phoning. If a phone call takes more than 15 minutes (and is not a conference call), then an in-person meeting is in order. Remember, some people don’t communicate well across technology. Their messages seem harsh and abrupt and may lead the receiver to the wrong impression or intent. If you’re one of those people, reconsider your choices.
And people should be considerate of the receiver of the message. Consideration seems to be the last virtue on the list of how people interact. How would you feel if you’re on the other end? It all goes back to the Golden Rule…”do unto others…” Let’s not make personal communications a lost art. It’s always nice to connect in person, and it’s always nice to be left with that feeling that someone was considerate and cared about you as a human being.
