With technology improving every year, more people are engaging via text, as a form of communication. Conversations take place behind a screen through the use of social media outlets such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and much more. Since texting is now a common activity in one’s daily life, our form of expression through text is rising to popularity. For example, what is the difference between the messages “hi” and “HIIII!!!”? Many individuals claim that it’s simply the matter of perception, but is it really?

Greeting another individual with emphasis, or not, may set a tone between those exchanging messages. Another example, often relatable to multiple generations of texters, is the term “Lol.” This acronym, first documented in the Oxford English Dictionary on March 2011, stands for “laughing out loud”. The tone is often set if one texts a plain “Lol” or an exuberant “LOL.” Ultimately, it’s up to the recipient to portray the message.

However, it is important to consider that people’s personal ways of expressing themselves with text, emoticons, and punctuation. A response to a certain text can be crucial to the effect it has on the recipient and the way that person interprets it. Friendship or relationships could end due to a simple misunderstood text. Lack of emotions or expressions are factors that can lead to termination within a certain relationship. The lack of comprehension within a certain generation may lead to endless confusion through online interactions.

The main problem is an absence of verbal tone in texts, specifically the use of sarcasm. To prevent this miscommunication, people use “jk”, which stands for “just kidding”, to show sarcasm. When sarcastic messages aren’t interpreted the intended way, recipients misjudge the conversations. Maybe it is time for individuals misled by texting to switch digital communications and stick to an old-fashion phone call.

– Kimberly Franco