Has text messaging made us dumber?

Question

We don't talk on the phone anymore. Instead we send a few badly-abbreviated, non-punctuated words to someone. I also believe people are losing their manners and common sense with text messaging. I see people texting everywhere, including while driving and even while talking to other people. I feel like the entire younger generation is going to lose important communication skills because of text messaging. Am I wrong?

Answer 1

Yes it has - I agree 100% - texting has made us not be able to tell someone directly how we feel. Over the phone you're speaking directly to the person - texting is only getting the job half done. Especially when words get miscommunicated and people get insulted since texting cannot express feeling like actually speaking.

Answer 2

I don't know if it is making us dumber - moreso inhibiting the younger generations from caring to learn. I agree with you with regards to the communication skills - but not only in the younger generation, but across the generations for those who text - like e-mail, the emotion and ability to read that emotion is lost in a text. Some people are more apt to text what they want to say rather than sit with a person face to face. The need to get or give information is faster but little regard is given to the true meaning of that information.

So, overall, yes, I agree with you. And I am even an avid text messager. I text thousands a month - because I can sit at work and still communicate quickly with friends and my boyfriend. I am the woman you see walking across the street while texting. I do not, however, text when I am driving - because I usually have my Bluetooth headset in, talking. (I won't talk on the phone while driving without a headset.) However, and perhaps it is because I am a bit older, I also don't typically use text messaging abbreviations outside of texting. That drives me crazy.

Answer 3

You are right. Text messaging has made things more convenient but it hardly teaches people on being responsible. "Texting " while driving is very rampant and also in places where you shouldn't be using your cellphone. People think it is not invasive like talking on the phone but it is pretty much as distracting. The non-punctuated, badly-abbreviated words produces poor spelling because of the habit they adapted and even when people has a proper keyboard in use they can't spell or type properly.

Answer 4

Perhaps, but likely just more casual, and casual brings blurry boundaries. Email has made typing and memos a thing of the past, so text msging is only part of the problem. What one generation feels is important, is less so to the next, but this is the way it has been for generations.....and will always be so. There could be a backlash, but likely the trend will continue.

Answer 5

Well it hasnt made me "dumber" but it has made me change alot. As an Language Arts major I should of all people know how to correctly use grammer and punctuation but on text I do often slip. It is taking over though and I agree that important communication skills are being lost!

Answer 6

You could argue the same thing with regards to instant messaging. Although, the number of people text messaging has been booming lately, and it is more difficult to communicate while doing so. Thus, it is accompanied by poor grammar and punctuation. I would have to agree with you.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Not me I barely text. In fact even when I do I forget the slang words sometimes and spell everything out.lol

Answer 9

Technology in general has made us dumber. We lack common sense because we now expect computers and computer gadgets to think for us, to tell us how to deal with our problems.

Answer 10

Absolutely. If I were a hiring manger and If some typed their resume in txt speak I would do anything in my power to prevent that person from becoming gainfully employed.