Sanity check requested from parents of teens: texting/IM'ing/eMail vs talking on phone?

Question

My daughter is 16 and it seems that she would almost rather die than actually call to talk to her friends.  The preferred mode of communication is apparently texting or eMail.  

The subject came up when I ws trying to get my daughter to tell me what plans she and her friends were making for a group shopping situation where I was going to pick them up and drop them off.  I wanted to know what time, how many kids, where were they meeting, etc., all the reasonable stuff a good chauffeur needs to do her job.  My daughter told me she had left emails and text messages for friends.

"Why don't you call them?" I asked, foolish me.  I was informed in so many words that teens don't TALK to each other, they text and eMail to each other, and only old foggies like parents actually expect to pick up the phone and talk to people.

Is this really the way of things with teens?  Observation seems to bear it out, but I want to know what others find to be true.

Thanks!

? · Accepted Answer

Sorry, I do the same thing. I don't know why its just easier I guess. lol

adrian♥ · Answer

I find myself making less phone calls and more texts simply because I don't know when others are busy, so calling them could interrupt something. However a text can be quickly and simply answered.

That being said, most teenagers don't have lives and therefore don't need to worry about bothering someone. Not that you can really force them to call each other, though.

Pansies 11 · Answer

Ok, as a teen, I can see your point but I'm going to tell you that you have to listen to your daughter's perspective, too. EVERYONE is texting. While it is not socially unnacceptable at all to call someone, especially not on a cell phone, why would you? Typing is quicker and then it's right there and you don't have to leave a bunch of messages and all that junk! Besides, her friends will probably get back to her pretty soon. If they don't then she can call them. It's not like teens nowadays don't like calling or anything, it's just that to us, texting is what calling was to you. I'm not saying you're old or anything!! Go way back.... The parents of the teens who were the first to use the phone probably thought that it was wierd that they weren't talking face to face. It's just a difference in generations.

Johnny&#39;s Mommy · Answer

It seems to be the new way of communication.

I'm guilty of it myself, and I'm 31.  LOL!

better mom than u · Answer

not my teens 
we don't buy things that encourage agoraphobia
and block human interaction
I know better

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Sanity check requested from parents of teens: texting/IM'ing/eMail vs talking on phone?

5 Answers