By Ella Stone
Nowadays more often than not, people communicate over the phone. Texting or emailing is very convenient , but can cause miscommunication or misunderstanding. Even calling is lacking the human interaction we need.
People tend to avoid awkward conversations, by just texting what they have to say which seems to end way more friendships and relationships then if they just talked it out in person. Even at school I’m guilty of this. Talking to a teacher or asking for a deadline extension just seems easier if it’s over an email. This is okay for some situations, but later in life we need communication skills, especially in the workplace, which we should start developing now.
In this generation electronic devices are so accessible to us. We are so lucky to have these for many reasons, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have their downsides. Many students at Benicia High think that having a personal conversation should be done face to face. Jazmyne Hartman says, “Some conversations can be had over the phone, it really depends on the topics,” and Kate DiPiramo says, “I think that people can have more heart to heart conversations in person, because it is easier to read body language and emotions.”
Indirect communication isn’t all bad. It can be helpful for legal conversations or at a workplace. Having a record of conversations and what people said can be used for future reference. It can also avoid poor retention if a message needs to be repeated with precision, a person may have a hard time remembering conversations word for word, or if the message is long it may be easier to type it out and get it across as clearly as possible.
Indirect communication can also be good for elderly people and people who may have moved away from family. It gives them a chance to still talk often and to keep in touch with the people they love. Elderly people or just people in general may also have health issues and have to stay separated from others, just for a health risk, but technology still gives them the chance to connect with people and get the conversations they need. It can also make it easier to contact jobs or bosses when away from work if you are lost on what to do, or confused about schedules.
Making personal and healthy connections with a person is more than just to avoid the feelings of loneliness. These relationships impact all aspects of our well-being – physical and mental health – as well as giving us a sense of belonging and higher self esteem. Growing up with devices all around has impacted us hugely. Just having a phone next to us seems to have us distracted when talking to others. People have also seemed to make less eye contact in the last few years and become less comfortable with non digital conversations which will be required in the future.
We need balance to be able to decide which conversations can be had over the phone, and which should be had face to face to ensure human connections are made.
beniciapaw.com 