Millennial View - Why Text?

Yesterday, those of you who attended the LexisNexis Library Week Government Librarian Breakfast Seminar: Web 2.0 in the Workplace and Beyond, held at the National Press Club in Washington DC, were introduced to the Government Info Pro's Millennial Columnists in person. They are ready to tell us, in plain speaking and in two unique Millennial voices, what the Millennials who are coming into our libraries and workplaces think about accessing and using information, and how and why technology works in their daily lives.

Click to learn more about Abbey and Sam.

Send Abbey and Sam your questions. They want to know what you are most interested in hearing about from them regarding the Millennial experience and perspective. These intrepid Millennial Guides are ready to take on any millennial mystery you are interested in exploring. To ask you question via email, just click here.

The topic of today's Millennial View column is: Why text? Read on for some answers...

Why Text?

   

ABBEY’S VIEW:

One of the newest crazes to hit the American millennial generation is the marvelous concept of text messaging. I would like to shed some light on the pros and cons of the subject for those in other generations who may not be able to wrap their heads around the concept.

Edward R. Murrow, a Broadcast Journalist stated: “The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem of what to say and how to say it.” Communication is hard enough to do without the difficulties that technology can create. How many times have you written an email to a friend, co-worker, loved one, or relative that was completely misinterpreted? Did that cause a rift between the two of you? Was it because the message sent could not be fully expressed without the benefit of body language and vocal intonation?

So what are the benefits of texting, you might ask? In a recent poll I just conducted of 15 people in my office, the number one reason was convenience! It is easy while at work to send a quick message of “I love you,” “Pick me up at 6,” or “Want to do lunch?” In cubicle land, it is one of the best tools ever invented. As those of you fellow cubicle-ites can attest, it is very annoying, rude, and disruptive to sit next to a co-worker who is talking loudly and inconsiderately about personal business during work hours. Why can't those people just say what they need to say without really saying it out loud? Has the thought ever crossed their mind to just send a message of this seemingly important business to their intended receivers?

One of the many upsides of text messaging is that it allows you to send out mass communications or sweet nothings to those intended receivers. Being a full- time student and full time employee can start to take a toll on relationships. While there is little time between work, school, library, homework, rest, showering, driving, and all other various activities, you can start to lose touch with those closest to you. Why not take 30 seconds to send a message letting others know you can’t wait to see them, you love them, you miss them, or simply telling them you are thinking of them? Texting is a tool used by some universities to send out emergency situations and school closings to the entire student body. It can be used as advertising for local businesses and worldwide companies as a quick way to get the information out. Now everything you want to say is literally at your fingertips. Just click, click, send and you are up to date with one of the fastest growing crazes among people today.

Why Text?

 

SAM’S VIEW:

My generation could not live a day without text messaging. We do it while we are in class, watching TV, while we are at work, and even while we are driving. Warning: Do not try this at home unless you are an experienced texter! It used to be that my cell phone was permanently attached to my head when I was in high school. That was before text messaging came along. Text messaging has evolved over the years. When I used to get text messages on my cell phone, I would receive an alert telling me that I had a new message. Then I would have to engage in the long process of trying to connect to the internet on my phone. I was never very successful at this! But on the occasion that I was, I would respond within a few seconds and be done.

Things have changed since then. My phone is now permanently attached to my hand. I even purchased a cell phone that has a keypad on it so that I can text faster. I get movie times, directions, and even alerts from my university sent to my phone. It became apparent to my generation that it took less time to text than to dial a number and have a conversation with someone. One reason why I love text messaging is that it gets right to the point. There is no need to spend countless minutes immersed in conversation. Sometimes, I’m only trying to ask a simple question or see what your plans are for later on that night. Luckily for me, my parents have invested in unlimited text messaging on their family cell phone plan.