Lines of (Non)Communication

I've been thinking a lot lately about the impact of communication technology, in particular upon me, personally. It's gotten to where I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the changes in the technology itself (phones that do nearly everything but wash the dishes!), but also its effect on how I communicate, or not, with friends, acquaintances and the "world".

I've been a hold-out when it comes to text-messaging. Although "chat" is very fun and convenient, I much prefer communicating vocally if at all possible. There are nuances that simply don't come across digitally. I am a very "aural" person and I rely heavily on inflection, body language, tone, and the like. Seeing their face, hearing their voice, watching their body language - that is a very intrinsic part of how I communicate and understand. I sometimes feel that what I'm trying to say just doesn't translate well into the "real time" of chat. Have you ever gotten caught up in several different "topics" going on at the same time in chat due to overlapping input? I have often had those "oops!" moments when awkward transitions occur or what I've been trying to say comes across as embarrassing or ridiculous, or worse, offensive.

Unfortunately there's often little or no opportunity to "undo" misunderstandings or information that just didn't translate the way I wanted. "Ahhh! That's not how I meant that!" Sometimes it almost feels like learning a foreign language! I can only hope that people who know me, and those who don't know me well, are tolerant and capable of discerning that maybe that wasn't quite the way I meant certain things to be "said." On the other hand, most of the time they're probably clueless and just take away the thought and decipher however they would. I experience a great deal of angst about this, especially when I think about chat conversations in retrospect.

Then, there's the "etiquette" of chat and, I suppose, text, once I finally get around to getting the service. Which I think will be soon if I want to keep up with the social circles I move in. I still perceive it as rather rude when a friend I am spending time with, one on one, repeatedly checks their phone or sends texts during our conversations. Of course, I'm very tolerant and realize that sometimes it's necessary, such as urgent or important messages. However, casual texting is the same as holding a parallel conversation and is somewhat disruptive. I do find it funny, but somehow kind of sad, when I'm sitting with friends and everyone's texting - even to people sitting at the same table! I also find it sad that some even avoid actually talking to someone on the phone in lieu of chat or text. I suppose it is a good way to "control" the conversation and assume that is often the reason.

That being said, I'm amazed at the miraculous innovation of things I could never have imagined being possible, even a few years ago. The potential is so exciting, but overwhelming. Still, it's a changing world and I wonder what the long term aspect will be of separating the way we communicate with each other, away from face-to-face interaction, or voice interaction, to the more "impersonal" methods of chat, text and email. I'm not entirely convinced that will be a positive outcome in the interaction of humanity.