Can someone explain the appeal of text messages?

[RedHedd]

I can see why talking to or seeing someone in person is awkward, who needs that personal contact?

Why should I..

Drive over to a friend's house to get a warm human hug?
Be able to see a tear in the corner of the same friend's eye when
she tells me she is down?
Have to look into those same eyes and watch them smile?
Share a soda or having to stay for a meal?
Sprawl out on a couch for an hour of two of TV?
put up with a crazy laugh, when I can sanitize it in a text message?

Thank you RICHARD, that's what I was trying to say.

YOU CANNOT TEXT AND DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION!

I had to laugh when they had to pass a law prohibiting people from texting while driving. It's a sad commentary on the state of common sense - does it exist anymore? - that they have to pass laws prohibiting stupid people from doing stuff that just plain common sense used to cover.

[DrKym]

I use the text feature more than the calling features, I text everyone!
Many times I cannot be doing the phone to my ear thing while working with a bird etc. so texting is great, I can open the message when it is more convienent for me, not to mention that it is so much cheaper on my cell phone plan to text!

[Rachel]

None of these innovations are in and of themselves bad or good but they certainly can be used in ways that are beneficial or detrimental as various posts in this thread indicate. Also obvious from the posts in this thread is that there is disagreement about what constitutes be beneficial and detrimental.

So here's my take.

When in the company of a person, give that person the benefit of your attention and conversation, as opposed to trying to communicate via any means (texting or cell phone) with someone else. If it's an absolute necessity, say excuse me for a minute while I attend to an important matter.

Adults have a responsibility to set ground rules and an example for the younger generation in their care.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the world around you with its vast wealth of things to learn about, people to observe, and Mother Nature to absorb.

Multi-tasking can at times be self defeating. We are Pet People. Can you really enjoy true interaction with your pets with one ear glued to a cell phone or fingers pushing those text messages? Most activities need your undivided attention, and yes, even driving.

Find the tool that fits the need for the occasion. That doesn't mean it will fit all needs for every occasion.