Why do some people totally change their way of talking when they use e-mail?

Question

Of course it's a different medium than the phone or just talking in person, but what I find strange is that a couple of my friends use English totally differently when they write an e-mail than when I talk to them. These are guys who are pretty informal, then suddenly they use e-mail and they're using long-winded sentences without contracting any words.

My sister just forwarded me an e-mail from an aunt. So strange! It's like she completely changed her whole tone from how she talks in life.

I get the sense that these people are afraid to write the way they talk, or they've been deeply culturally conditioned that when you "write" you have to communicate differently than when you "talk."

Bizarre.

Answer 1

It isn't necessarily that strange. Who says you have to communicate the same way across every medium? When you have the chance to think upon what you're saying, edit, revise, take time to choose the right word, why not? This may be "deep cultural conditioning", but it might also be something as simple as wanting to say the right thing and using the tools available to you in a particular situation. One could just as easily argue that it's more strange to demand that a person use the exact same conversational style in every situation and every form of communication.

It's also worth noting that different generations approach the same medium differently. Older folks might approach email more like letter writing, where the long delivery times tended to make people ample opportunity to think about what they are going to say. Conversely, younger folks who have grown up on instantaneous typed communication like IM's and are used to communicating in a vary natural, quick and spontaneous manner might treat their email more like IM communication.

Answer 2

Manners are thrown out the window in some e-mails. Some forget that they are still writing a letter, only it's an electronic letter. They get way too informal. I think the fact that are sitting at a computer freezes up their personalities.

Answer 3

People may be to shy to talk directly, so they use e-mail, in which they don't feel good using the way they usually use to talk. So when you get a e-mail that has a "changed" way of talking, don't feel weird, but just have fun e-mailing back!

Answer 4

bypass to the law enforcement officers however if it particularly is this sort of probability to you. he will bypass away you on my own in the event that they get onto him.? coach them a number of the emails and then have action tell the uni that there is a male stalker that wont bypass away you on my own and you like help changing your digital mail. ultimate of success !!

Answer 5

Becuase usually they like to be quick and make what they say short and choppy. At least that's usually what I like to do when I'm in a hurry!!! Lol!!! I think I'm wrong though!!!

Answer 6

because they feel more comfortable and they have time to think and correct words when they are e-mailing...it is a lot easier to talk and you have time to think about what to say so it sounds good.