Purple Haze
Learning to talk again
By Lauren Bagian

Jan. 21, 2010

There has been a deterioration of discussion, a corrosion of communication, in other words, we’re not talking! This is obviously a growing problem in the teenage world. At first it was simply the intrusion of technology into everyday life that caused face to face communication to lessen, but now face to face conversations are sitting on the bench while texting; Facebook messages and Twitter “tweets” are playing varsity.

Now these new forms of communication can be incredibly useful devices, especially for keeping in touch when distance and scheduling becomes an issue. However, when text based communication takes center stages against vocal communication, relationships can take a hit. Studies have shown that a very high percentage of communication is based on physical cues, so how can you pick up on those cues from an instant message if you can’t even hear vocal inflection? This can lead to frustrations, misunderstandings and, in the long run, relationships and friendships cannot flourish in these conditions; they can become superficial and distant, lacking depth.

The problem that I am trying to address is the pattern that is forming now due to new technology based forms of communication. With each generation, more advances are made which become standards in that generation’s lives. It can almost be predicted that we will one day reach a point when no one communicates simply face to face, the way we were meant to. I encourage you all to reach out and reconnect with those around you, the old fashioned way if possible. Communication is incredibly important; it’s the cheapest gift that can be given to someone close to you.