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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Debate & Discuss => Topic started by: golotomer on August 11, 2011, 03:14:47 pm

Title: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: golotomer on August 11, 2011, 03:14:47 pm
I know text messaging can have advantages but I personally get irritated when people want to substitute texting "all the time" instead of a phone call and also the texting lingo used that I consider to be part of the dumbing down of America.  I thought I'd like to make a list of my pet peeves and likes about texting and see what the general feeling is from a larger population.  Here is my quick list.  I'm sure there are more but as you can see I'm leaning more toward the cons. 

Pros:
1.you can text privately when you aren't able to speak freely or out loud (for instance when you are in a doctor's waiting room)
2. it's great to be able to get to the point without having to make small talk if you are in a hurry (meet me in an hour at McDonald's)

Cons: 
1. misspellings and abbreviations which are convenient for people when in a hurry but are not teaching the younger generation to spell properly. 
2. Things can be miscommunicated easily and misunderstood.
3. Lack of personality.
4. It can take longer to discuss an issue by text than just picking up the phone! 
5.  Autocorrect sucks! (yes I know I can set up my phone to not do this)
6. It takes too long to text on my Droid phone than one with buttons (and I have little fingers!)
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: walksalone11 on August 11, 2011, 03:31:21 pm
Pros, can text really fast.
Cons probably stole the device they are texting on  :dontknow:
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: bjohnson16 on August 11, 2011, 03:44:07 pm
I find that you can text message when you want to make a list to be picked up on the way home and it is great to remind kids when you need to remind them of something.

But I think a con is that sometimes when you text something it losses something in when you don't talk to someone on the phone.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: sdecaro558 on August 14, 2011, 09:23:28 am
I think the only major con of text messaging is that it can be unsafe (people texting while driving or walking).
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: golotomer on August 14, 2011, 10:09:26 am
I agree that text messaging is a great way of making lists and sending the to your phone.   BUT..I usually do that on down time when I'm not driving.  There are always voice commands and recorders where you can take "messages and thoughts". 

Even watching or setting GPS coordinates can be detrimental if not used in the proper way or time. 
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: mom2taz on August 14, 2011, 12:10:57 pm
Pros, can text really fast.
Cons probably stole the device they are texting on  :dontknow:

LOL!! @ walksalone11

I love it when people think outside the box...hahaha

Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: jcribb16 on August 14, 2011, 04:56:14 pm
Great thread, by the way!!

One con is when someone can't call you or talk to you in person about something that is considered argumentative or bullying, so to speak.  Such as a situation with my DIL - she would rather have sent ugly texts than call and ask or talk about the situation.  It's kind of like a coward hiding behind their cell phone.

A pro for me is the quickness of communicating when on a tight schedule just to touch base with someone.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: constance312003 on August 14, 2011, 05:41:23 pm
I agree about the dumbing down of Americans with texting, but I think there are many other things in America dumbing down this nation.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: mx3madman on August 14, 2011, 06:06:53 pm
Texting can be useful at times ...It can also be unsafe!!
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: walksalone11 on August 14, 2011, 07:34:05 pm
Pros, can text really fast.
Cons probably stole the device they are texting on  :dontknow:

LOL!! @ walksalone11

I love it when people think outside the box...hahaha


Hey....don't encourage that Walks fella.......he's kinna out there some times.....
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: golotomer on August 15, 2011, 01:53:10 am
I agree about the dumbing down of Americans with texting, but I think there are many other things in America dumbing down this nation.

I totally agree with you on that!
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: Linda67 on August 15, 2011, 12:39:57 pm
Great thread, by the way!!

One con is when someone can't call you or talk to you in person about something that is considered argumentative or bullying, so to speak.  Such as a situation with my DIL - she would rather have sent ugly texts than call and ask or talk about the situation.  It's kind of like a coward hiding behind their cell phone.

A pro for me is the quickness of communicating when on a tight schedule just to touch base with someone.

I'm new at this texting stuff....old dog is trying to learn new tricks, but, what's DIL? :dontknow: :dontknow:
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: daspoiled14life on August 15, 2011, 01:32:20 pm
I personally LOVE texting as opposed to actually talking on the phone. Part of that is because I work a front desk & answer phones & talk to people 8 hours a day.

Pros:
1. You're able to have a personal conversation without anyone around you hearing.
2. You can hide your "attitude" with the person
3. You can refer back to what a person said later on in case of confusion

Cons:
1. It's easy to take something the wrong way because you can't tell the mood of the person you're texting.
2. You can't text and drive. (legally)
3. If you're like me you have multiple people texting you at the same time and it's easy to confuse conversations.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: golotomer on August 16, 2011, 01:46:50 am


I'm new at this texting stuff....old dog is trying to learn new tricks, but, what's DIL? :dontknow: :dontknow:
[/quote]

Daughter in law
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: dayezee on August 16, 2011, 06:14:30 am
I'm all about keeping up with the times but I never got into the texting scene, yet I like sending email and IMs.  Go figure.  I find it comical to see faces buried in these little phones every where I go.  I'd so much rather hear a person's voice or talk to them face-to-face.   
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: jordandog on August 16, 2011, 06:59:36 am
Pros, can text really fast.
Cons probably stole the device they are texting on  :dontknow:

LOL!! @ walksalone11

I love it when people think outside the box...hahaha


Hey....don't encourage that Walks fella.......he's kinna out there some times.....

"out there some times"? Nah, you are out there MOST of the time and that is why you are one of my favorite people. Boxes are for kleenex and cereal, NOT for thoughts.... 8)
I have a huge problem with texting when it carries over into forums like this one. There is nothing worse than a deep/serious discussion and having some clown come into it with an 'unreadable' opinion on the subject. They might know a whole lot about something, but appear totally ignorant if they cannot type in actual words and sentences. :P
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: Linda67 on August 16, 2011, 12:20:13 pm

I'm new at this texting stuff....old dog is trying to learn new tricks, but, what's DIL? :dontknow: :dontknow:

Daughter in law
[/quote]

Oh good grief...thank you very much.  I'll get with it some year ai hope lol :BangHead: :BangHead:
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: AliiSamoa25 on August 16, 2011, 03:22:20 pm
pro, its the hip thing to do.
con, it takes forever!
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: mom2taz on August 21, 2011, 07:35:49 am
Pros, can text really fast.
Cons probably stole the device they are texting on  :dontknow:

LOL!! @ walksalone11

I love it when people think outside the box...hahaha


Hey....don't encourage that Walks fella.......he's kinna out there some times.....

"out there some times"? Nah, you are out there MOST of the time and that is why you are one of my favorite people. Boxes are for kleenex and cereal, NOT for thoughts.... 8)
I have a huge problem with texting when it carries over into forums like this one. There is nothing worse than a deep/serious discussion and having some clown come into it with an 'unreadable' opinion on the subject. They might know a whole lot about something, but appear totally ignorant if they cannot type in actual words and sentences. :P

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion...that is what is so great about discussions like this one.
Personally...I like to see posts with a sense of humor....hahaha
And, in my opinion...posts like that shows some fair amount of intelligence to be able to think "outside the box" ....kinda makes ya think, doesn't it?? 
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: jordandog on August 21, 2011, 08:06:43 am
Pros, can text really fast.
Cons probably stole the device they are texting on  :dontknow:

LOL!! @ walksalone11

I love it when people think outside the box...hahaha


Hey....don't encourage that Walks fella.......he's kinna out there some times.....

"out there some times"? Nah, you are out there MOST of the time and that is why you are one of my favorite people. Boxes are for kleenex and cereal, NOT for thoughts.... 8)
I have a huge problem with texting when it carries over into forums like this one. There is nothing worse than a deep/serious discussion and having some clown come into it with an 'unreadable' opinion on the subject. They might know a whole lot about something, but appear totally ignorant if they cannot type in actual words and sentences. :P

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion...that is what is so great about discussions like this one.
Personally...I like to see posts with a sense of humor....hahaha
And, in my opinion...posts like that shows some fair amount of intelligence to be able to think "outside the box" ....kinda makes ya think, doesn't it?? 

I'm not sure at all what you are getting at here if you are 'speaking' to me. I too am an 'outside the box' thinker, have a great sense of humor, and was joking around with someone who knows me well ie Walks. I was simply saying I hate posts in any forum, not just this one, that are comprised of 'text-speak'.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: walksalone11 on August 21, 2011, 12:23:59 pm
Pros, can text really fast.
Cons probably stole the device they are texting on  :dontknow:

LOL!! @ walksalone11

I love it when people think outside the box...hahaha


Hey....don't encourage that Walks fella.......he's kinna out there some times.....

"out there some times"? Nah, you are out there MOST of the time and that is why you are one of my favorite people. Boxes are for kleenex and cereal, NOT for thoughts.... 8)
I have a huge problem with texting when it carries over into forums like this one. There is nothing worse than a deep/serious discussion and having some clown come into it with an 'unreadable' opinion on the subject. They might know a whole lot about something, but appear totally ignorant if they cannot type in actual words and sentences. :P

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion...that is what is so great about discussions like this one.
Personally...I like to see posts with a sense of humor....hahaha
And, in my opinion...posts like that shows some fair amount of intelligence to be able to think "outside the box" ....kinda makes ya think, doesn't it?? 

I'm not sure at all what you are getting at here if you are 'speaking' to me. I too am an 'outside the box' thinker, have a great sense of humor, and was joking around with someone who knows me well ie Walks. I was simply saying I hate posts in any forum, not just this one, that are comprised of 'text-speak'.
JDog......I <3 u 2 ;o)
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: marciaenglish on August 23, 2011, 01:26:13 am
LOVE IT!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: chel3179 on August 23, 2011, 09:56:16 am
I actually prefer text messaging over long conversations on the phone because if you want to stop talking, all you have to do is stop replying. I know that sounds mean but I tend to get on the phone with certain people and have a HARD time getting off. Having a 4 year old at home makes it extremely uneasy to talk on the phone.  :BangHead:
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: kodomfulmanar on August 24, 2011, 05:07:38 am
Pro: get message across without bothering someone (for example they're sleeping and you can't wait to call when they wake up)
      pretty fast

Con: impersonal


the dumbing down part? well that's our own fault...I text all the time in perfect English. It doesn't take much longer (contrary to what people believe)
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: walksalone11 on August 25, 2011, 10:27:39 am
MIDDLE AGE TEXTING CODES: ATD - at the doctor. BFF - best friend fell. BTW -bring the wheelchair. BYOT - bring your own teeth. FWIW - forgot where I was. GGPBL - gotta go, pacemaker battery low. GHA - got heartburn again. IMHO - is my hearing aid on? LMDO -laughing my dentures out. IPM- I pooped myself. OMMR - on my massage recliner. ROFLACGU - rolling on floor laughing and can't get up.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: malgron on August 25, 2011, 11:59:58 am
A lady almost ran me over in the parking lot yesterday because she was looking down at her cell phone and texting with both hands while she was driving.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: afrodude on August 27, 2011, 06:18:36 pm
Only thing I cant stand with texting is when i'm with friends and everyone is on their phones constantly just texting or goin on facebook instead of actually talking to people in the room....gets really annoying!
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: dsilentshadow on August 28, 2011, 04:25:44 am
pros: in going conversation

Cons: a long bill
falling into a manhole

i've experienced both cons and this explains why I don't text anymore!
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: mawhite63 on August 28, 2011, 06:50:16 am

I have a huge problem with texting when it carries over into forums like this one. There is nothing worse than a deep/serious discussion and having some clown come into it with an 'unreadable' opinion on the subject. They might know a whole lot about something, but appear totally ignorant if they cannot type in actual words and sentences. :P

I really agree with this. Sometimes I'll read something that someone wrote and just be thinking "..... what???"   
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: ninajay on September 07, 2011, 03:39:57 pm
I don't mind texting sometimes, I just don't like when a person prefers to text rather than talk
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: angsilva2000 on September 07, 2011, 09:26:44 pm
I like texting.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: drandall on September 08, 2011, 06:18:28 am
I'm all about keeping up with the times but I never got into the texting scene, yet I like sending email and IMs.  Go figure.  I find it comical to see faces buried in these little phones every where I go.  I'd so much rather hear a person's voice or talk to them face-to-face.   

I'm with you on that. And it is funny watching peoples heads down texting. Doesn't the neck hurt after awhile? Oh I forgot, then you have the ones whose necks must hurt so they hold them up in front of their face. Either that or their eyes are going blurry.  ;D
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: handllucas on November 02, 2011, 05:41:38 pm
I think texting is destroying the younger generation's ability to effectively communicate. My nephew's grammar is awful and the lack of personal interaction has dramatically hindered his social skills.

In addition, texting is creating gaps in the areas of spelling and even handwriting.

Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: constance312003 on November 02, 2011, 07:55:01 pm
I use it at work daily.  It is an easy way to get info to my coworkers
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: tzs on November 02, 2011, 08:34:25 pm

I don't care what you do with your cell phone! Just don't text and drive!!!!!
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: golotomer on November 03, 2011, 02:12:47 am
I think texting is destroying the younger generation's ability to effectively communicate. My nephew's grammar is awful and the lack of personal interaction has dramatically hindered his social skills.

In addition, texting is creating gaps in the areas of spelling and even handwriting.



I'm with you on those thoughts.  I think texting can be a great tool, if used properly. 
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: golotomer on November 03, 2011, 02:14:28 am
I don't care what you do with your cell phone! Just don't text and drive!!!!!

I agree with you.  However, even fooling around entering information or carefully watching activity on your GPS while can be dangerous too.  I recently found out how to navigate the GPS on my cell phone by voice commands though and that's going to be a real perk.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: gemini0314 on November 04, 2011, 07:12:10 pm
I also agree on the dumbing down American generations because sometimes even I have to think of how to spell things after texting because I spell it differently when I text. I highly disagree with anyone who thinks texting and driving is safe, it is illegal in most states.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: Shandara09 on November 09, 2011, 05:48:21 pm
I like texting, I just wish people wouldn't spend as much time on them as they do.  I hate it when I'm out with someone trying to enjoy time with them, and they're on their phone half of the time.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: trucktina on November 13, 2011, 02:17:20 pm
I can only see cons, but then I don't have a cellphone and don't communicate that way. When I did, I was trying to start a new relationship and the guy seemed to think it was okay to text instead of call. He'd try to text me, and I'd ask him to call. I'd call right then, as we were texting, and he wouldn't pick up!

Maybe he thought it was a fun way to flirt, or made him seem smart/cool... but it was just annoying. We didn't date very long, obviously.
Title: Re: Pros and Cons of text messaging
Post by: kat02100 on November 14, 2011, 05:34:09 pm
I like texting because I have limited minutes on my mobile but free unlimited texts. I usually send things than can be put in a couple sentences and don't require a conversation. For example... to my husband.... " preheat oven to 450. OTW with pizza."