Has Text Messaging Become the Only Way to Communicate?
Have we become a society that only communicates via technology?
Here’s a twist on making technology work for today’s modern, connected society. A new story out of London reports that a young woman was “sacked” by her employer – but what makes the story compelling is how she was told: by text message on her cell phone!
According to the report: “Katy Tanner, a 21-year-old sales assistant, received the message while she was off work with a migraine. The text message said: ‘We will not require your services anymore ...Thank you for your time with us.’"
I wonder what Houston’s own Miss Manners would say about that?
The report continues: “Store director Ian Besbie added that the dismissal method was fair because texting was a part of ‘youth culture.’” Besbie: We are a youth business and our staff are all part of the youth culture that uses SMS (text) messaging as a major means of communication.”
Turns out the store handles tattoos and body piercing.
Although this example is somewhat satiric, I hope you get my point. We should make more of an effort to communicate in person versus mostly with technology. It’s like a friend of mine says, “What did we do before e-mail?” I usually respond, “We had Fedex.”
What do you think? Have we become a society exclusively mired in technology to communicate?
Greg, have you heard any mention of folks using text messages for marketing purposes? I am not a fan of it, but it seems like one of those things that is only a matter of time. Just think of all the folks who put their cell phone numbers on their business cards. I also think there is a way to send a text message from a computer. Are you familiar with that?
Frank
Thanks very much for comment. Yes, I have seen text messaging used for marketing purposes. First and foremost my cellular company sends me marketing messages.
Second, sports teams, sports media outlets, etc. have used text messaging for marketing purposes.
I will see if I can answer the question concerning computer generated text messaging. I don't have any information on that at this time. Maybe one of our readers can help us out?
You can send text messages from your email program, provided your mobile carrier supports the format. You would send the email to 7135551234@mobile.yourcarrier.com. It shows up as a text message on the recipient's phone.
From my experience, texting is more popular overseas than here in the States. So while I don't think it is right that Katy Tanner was terminated via text message, I can see why her boss thought it might be an alternative option.
