There’s no doubt that technology, particularly smart phones, has changed the way we communicate. And the way we date. This article in USA Today had some interesting statistics on texting and how young adults use it in their dating lives.
According to the article, texting is one of the major game changers in the world of dating. “Casual, easy and non-threatening — the simple beauty of text messaging is upending American dating culture. Not since the dawn of the automobile has a technology — the cellphone — so swiftly and radically changed the way people interact, meet and move forward (or not) in a relationship. Texting has created a new brand of mobile etiquette, and for dating, it has given rise to new ways of flirting and even defining exactly what’s going on between two people.”
Texting has pretty much been part of every one of my past relationships. It’s a nice way to stay in touch with your significant other during the day when a work or school environment doesn’t allow for talking on the phone. It’s nice to get a text to know the other person is thinking about you.
It seems most people agree. The article lists these statistics:
“• Approximately one-third of men (31%) and women (33%) agree it’s less intimidating to ask for a date via text vs. a phone call.
• One in four say an hour is the longest acceptable response time to a text to someone you are dating or interested in dating; one in 10 expect a response instantly or within a few minutes.
• More men (44%) than women (37%) say mobile devices make it easier to flirt and get acquainted.”
This isn’t meant to be a post on the pros and cons of texting in relationships, because every relationship is unique and every couple has to figure out how they best communicate and which type of communication they prefer.
But how you communicate can be just as important as what you communicate. There are times when a text shouldn’t replace face-to-face, real-life conversation. I remember reading about a celebrity who texted his wife he wanted a divorce. While that’s an extreme example, it’s a reminder that things such as tone, body language and eye contact are important. But those things tend to get lost in the land of online communication, especially texting.
What do you think? How has texting changed the way you date? Is it your preferred method of communication?