4 ways texting is killing our communication skills

But communicators and parents alike know the art and science of texting is impacting our social and education systems in ways we never could have imagined.

Think about these four reasons text messages are killing our communication:

1. Texting reduces the need for in-depth conversations.

Have you texted people as a form of avoidance? A few abbreviated words keep people from meaningful dialogue and face-to-face communication. It also diminishes the importance of body language in our communication.

2. Texting dumbs down spelling and grammar.

“Txtspk” leads to deficiencies in basic language skills. Shortcuts with spelling, punctuation and emoticons don’t help children and teenagers learn the necessary writing and communication skills they need for college and the workforce. Are these convenient shortcuts, acronyms and abbreviations giving way to generations of lazy and sloppy communicators? (Oh, gr8.)

3. Texting distracts us from being fully present.