Technology today can be absolutely amazing. Things such as FaceTime, Skype, Google, email, often help to bring people closer. Cell phones are constantly carried with people where they are able to take calls, send texts, e-mail, and even check social media sites.
It has been a way to help people stay in touch. When I was away for the holidays Skype allowed me to still be with my family. I was able to visit with friends and keep in touch with everyone. Sure I sent postcards, but that was for the novelty of receiving something in the mail. Mostly I used email as it is instant.
Currently my friend has gone to China to teach English. The only way to really reach her is through email and video chats. If we had to wait for letters it would be excruciating since we are used to things happening so quickly.
The only problem with technology is that it's changing social norms and what is acceptable to say in different mediums of communication. For example telling somebody something that you want them to know right away, but doesn't matter as much then a text message is usually sent. Emails are good when timing isn't a problem and for longer communications, which act the same way as a letter used to.
Phone calls and speaking with people in person is less likely for small things, however, they are still the main mediums for actually visiting with people. Important in my mind is cell phone etiquette, which many seem to ignore. This comes in response to the fact that a restaurant in Los Angeles actually discounts people's bills if they leave their cell phones at the front in order to actually enjoy the meal.
Talking in public is one example. Many people sit in restaurants and speak loudly interrupting those around them. In places like these I normally excuse myself and run outside quickly to speak with the person and at that only if I have to take the call. I find it rude to leave the table, since you've made the plans to be there with that specific person. The same goes for texting unless you ask the person if it is ok, I'd say don't do it. Being preoccupied with your phone takes away from the face-to-face conversation with the person you're actually with at that moment.
Sure I'm guilty of calling my Mom or Dad while in a store to check prices or ask advice as to which item is better than another. Granted I should go outside for this too, I do feel bad about it, yet I'm not having long conversations. It's simply a short, "Hi, how are you? What do you think about this over that? Thanks. Love you, talk to you later."
If you do speak in public areas then lowering your voice slightly to not bother those around you is only polite and avoiding personal topics, since many can hear you, is also polite.
Texting is something that I do all the time, from my Mom and sister to friends and even for work I text people. There are important rules to this though in my opinion. Texting may be easy, as you're thinking of something you are able to simply shoot it over to the person you want to tell. The only thing is you must be conscious of such things as the time.
The other day someone texted me at 3 a.m. I normally have my phone on silent during the night and wouldn't have woken up, but I had forgotten to do so. Therefore, someone woke me up at 3 a.m. over something they could have waited until the actual morning to say.
I personally don't think you should text somebody after about 9 p.m. This I feel is the cutoff for contacting most people in any form. Unless I'm certain people are still awake then I may contact them after this, but usually not. Don't ask me how to know if they're awake, but as a general rule I follow the 9 p.m. rule.
If it is something extremely important then contacting someone at 3 a.m. might be acceptable, but if it is that important then it is also important enough for a phone call. For example I've heard of someone passing away to which people text this information to others. I personally would be quite upset to receive news in this way. A text is not personal and shouldn't be used for such important things. This is where the telephone and Skype are important if you are not close enough for a face-to-face conversation.
Different mediums are therefore good for different things. Texting, emails, phone calls are all important in today's society, but it's important to still have respect for people. If you're awake it doesn't necessarily mean the person on the other side of the line is as well, so unless it's important don't call or message them. If it is important and you can't speak to them in person then a phone call is best, texting or email often takes away from the interpersonal relations of everyone.
