My blackberry is a buzzing machine. It is always going off about something. The pocket-size piece of technology houses my work email, business email, and my personal email. My life is scheduled into its calendar in addition to my work schedule, my to-do list and my grocery list.
The amazing thing is, for the amount of noise that my phone makes, it rarely 'rings' in comparison to the amount it makes other sounds. I live in a world of e-mails, text messages and instant messages.
This column is spurred by a friend of mine, who after seeing a get-together with a table full of cell phones and people texting, asked the question "What is texting etiquette?" And it's true. When is enough, enough?
Well there is one thing for sure, there is nothing much ruder than having a conversation with someone who is having a conversation with their phone. But I wondered if texting etiquette actually existed. And the answer is, does it ever.
There is no question that positives have resulted from the onslaught of texting and instant messaging that has taken over our communication world. People love the ability to carry out a conversation with another without being constrained by time or without needing to set aside time. But when did having to set aside time for someone you have a relationship with become a chore?
An excitement over the new technology has clashed head-on with common courtesy. So what is appropriate and what is just plain rude?
A number of text messaging guidelines exist that we can all take a little from, myself included! Based on the principal that etiquette is a code of behaviour based on honesty, respect and consideration, the concept is simple. . .
If you are involved in any type of social interaction, it is not appropriate to text. That includes a conversation, listening, in class, at a meeting or at the dinner table. If you really need to communicate with someone who is not at the event, excuse yourself and then return as soon as you can, much like you would if you needed to take a phone call.
Common courtesy still rules. Contrary to popular belief, composing a test message while you're in a face-to-face conversation with someone is just about as rude as taking a voice call in front of them.
If you are with family or friends, be with them! Taking a text message signals to the person that he or she is less important that the person texting. If that's not the impression you want to make, don't take the text - it will still be there in twenty minutes.
Remember that your phone does have an off button. There are very, very few things in the world that absolutely cannot wait. And there are few moments more precious than those spent with friends and family.
Don't text-message anything confidential, private, or potentially embarrassing. You never know when someone might be looking over your significant other's shoulder or when your message might get sent to the wrong person.
If you receive a text message that was sent to you by mistake, reply by explaining that you aren't the intended recipient.
Keep your message brief. No one wants to have an entire conversation with you by texting when you could just call him or her instead.
Leave the slang to the kids.
Remember, texting is informal. It shouldn't be used for formal invitations or informing someone of sad news, business matters, or urgent meetings. The casualness of texting diminishes the strength and meaning of the message.
Be aware of your tone. It is extremely difficult to discern tone in text messages, just as it is in an e-mail. What seems to you to be a completely harmless message may be grossly misinterpreted by the recipient.
Be conscientious of others' schedules. Don't assume that just because you are awake, working or not busy, that the person you are texting is as well.
Regardless of your texting etiquette, the question provoked some food for thought on my end. I'm not saying to follow this guideline or that guideline. How you text is completely up to you. If nothing else, it is a good reminder to us all to be aware of our 'social setting' texting, and what it means to those that surround us.
