Talk More and Type Less

Written by Corae Young

September 1st, 2024

I come from a generation that was raised on the evolution of computers and technology. While it’s a great resource and tool to enhance the communications we can now have across the globe, I also feel that it has become a hindrance in our communication abilities. Oftentimes, people have replaced emails, social media, and DMs with personal touch and conversation. While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly enhanced this happening due to social distancing requirements, I feel we missed a piece of humanity when this happened.

My concern is how we have jeopardized authentic relationships by replacing typing out our emotions versus speaking them. We have missed an opportunity to properly communicate how we feel where it can be understood and persons can show true empathy one to another. We have missed significant moments to truly explain ourselves in conversation by sending messages that others may feel are confusing, or challenging, or others may feel threatened.

While I have always been a proponent of putting thoughts to paper, I also have learned that it’s just as important to share those thoughts with someone verbally so that thoughts can be clearly understood, and articulated and allow an opportunity for conversation and questions. We have missed this in society. We have grown comfortable in hiding behind keyboards and cell phones. We have got to learn the balance between typing and talking. We have to use discernment in how we handle the appropriate communication methods in certain situations so that it leads to peace, and not discord. Everything can’t be in an email. Everything can’t be explained in a text. We have to teach the next generation that conversation is part of humanity and it’s not a choice in life but a requirement.