Talk more, text less: Take action to reduce anxiety

Texting has steadily skyrocketed since 2000 to the point where it's now the go-to method of communication with friends and family. However, does this convenience come at a cost? Is it time we addressed the potential negative impact of texting versus a verbal conversation? Is it a coincidence that the problems with mental health in the UK have also risen?

The convenience of texting is undeniable. It can be a quick and efficient way to get answers to your questions and manage your daily tasks; it’s fast and can avoid the hassle of missed calls, etc. So, in some respects, it is understandable why text has become so popular.

As humans, we need to communicate; it is rooted in our biology. Hearing other people's voices and opinions is the essence of our growth.

Although having a phone conversation has become unfashionable, the need to communicate is still sought after, as it’s essential to our being. If we think about it, podcasts and reality shows have become very popular because we all unconsciously seek out human interaction. The problem is that although we can listen to others talk, we also need to develop our verbal communication skills to prevent the underdevelopment of empathy and understanding of others.

The younger generations have naturally joined the text revolution, predominantly using text as their communication tool. They have missed out on the joy of emotional exchange that can happen during phone calls with friends and family. They have grown up in a texting era; it’s their norm, just as their friends do.

It may even be difficult for them to step outside their comfort zone and change their communication habit. Will they have the emotional intelligence to handle a raw exchange of emotions? For some, it is easier to avoid phone communication and avoid taking on other people's worries.

But I challenge you all to try. It may feel weird and even fearful at first, as asking how your friend is - may get an emotional reply, which may challenge you as to what to say, but that is how we build empathy.

Is texting as quick as people think? I have been doing my research with friends and family. Texting can be a longer process. From patiently waiting for an answer to replying to a question and then waiting for an answer to my first text, only to respond again, I sometimes find myself staring at the screen in anticipation of a reply, thinking that I wish I had called them; it would have been much quicker.

Other methods -  Of course, there is an even bigger bonus with Facetime calls; you can use all your senses during a face call., picking up on vibes. As some have suggested, there is also a voice call, which gives the person receiving the message a much more detailed report of how you are, as they can hear the tone of voice and the emotion within it.

The sad thing about texting

We often politely ask how the person is in a text, saying, “I hope all is well with you.” Then, go on to ask what you need to know.

The person seeing the text will run through their mind all the negative things in their life and then reply, “Yep, all good.” Emotions are difficult to write down, and explaining what's bothering you in a text message is even more challenging, as you can’t see the person’s reaction. So, we push down our emotions when asked in text for fear of it not being perceived correctly.

Question...has replacing the telephone in favour of texting somehow added to the mental health pandemic?

Well, yes, I believe it has. The beauty of a phone call instead of a text message is that a conversation engages two people much more than a text message.
Conversation holds a unique power. It's a tool that can bring people together, foster understanding, and promote empathy. We should not underestimate its power.

The positives of speaking rather than texting:

• You are listening, which also makes others feel heard and understood
• It encourages empathy and understanding of others
• The conversation widens to cover more subjects
• The opportunity to exchange feelings and problems, venting negative emotions
• Use expression with your voice
•  Builds relationships
• The chance to help and exchange ideas
• Connect on a deeper level, promoting trust
• Being present in the moment
• The opportunity to relieve stress by talking about your worries
• It can trigger higher levels of biochemicals that give us a sense of well-being. 

Texting can be seen as a quick and efficient communication method, but it lacks emotions; when texting, dopamine in the brain works differently; it makes us want to seek more and more interaction, and we don’t feel rewarded until we receive it. Texting cannot convey tone or emotion, leading to miscommunication and impacting mental health and well-being.

Speaking on a voice note, FaceTime, or phone will allow you to express yourself much more to the person you call. It will help you develop empathy and read people much better.
 
Conversation exchange can reduce stress and make you feel less anxious.

So, please try to reduce your texting and speak more in person, whether by phone or Facetime. It will benefit you, the friends and family you communicate with, and the wider community. Improving the mental health of all those you engage with. Support the mental health of your friends and family, talk more, text less.