Information and communication technology has recorded rapid growth in the 21st century. Mobile phones are now commonly available and form a very important part of most peoples’ lives. The device is used for a variety of purposes including playing games, making calendars, organizing data, web surfing and many more. However, the main use of mobile or cell phones is for communication purposes. The most common methods of communication using cell phones are phone calls and text messaging. Texting is also known as “SMS” (short messaging system). Both methods involve information or data transfers but have differences in terms how and where to use them. In comparing these two methods to find out which is better, a compare and contrast assessment can be done looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each method in terms of content, cost and efficiency.
Texting involves the sending of text blocks, this message is displayed in the screen of the recipient’s cell phone screen. In terms of content, messages are short and to the point. The exact message keyed in is clearly transmitted to the recipient. Texting as a rule usually involves short text blocks. Various cell phones have varied limits on the number of words that can be sent at a time. In terms of efficiency, texting enables a sender to send the exact message intended. There are no misinterpretations or distractions. The message cannot be affected by loud noises or poor reception as occurs in calls. Texting provides the opportunity to review the information keyed in before sending it. Changes can be made if needed and mistakes can be corrected. Text messages can also be sent discreetly. It can be very useful in places where communicate has to be done quietly or where calls are not allowed like in a restaurant, church, meeting and the library. Messages can also be saved as reference if they are important. Some mobile phones are able to send messages on to a PC. The disadvantage of texting in terms of efficiency is that the tone or mood of the recipient cannot be gauge, and this can be an important aspect of communication. Texting also can take up more time than talking. Most times, there is a waiting period before a reply is obtained unlike in calling where people speak directly to each other. Also, if a mistake is made in the sent message, it cannot be taken back. Another message would have to be sent to make a correction. There is also the possibility of sending messages to the wrong persons, accidentally. Another drawback to texting is the use of shortened forms of words. Since this is not a universal language, a recipient might find it hard to decipher the meaning of shortened words and this will affect the overall effectiveness of the communication. Since shortened words are not appropriate for some types of communication, it is important to know who to text and who not to.
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"Texting vs Calling".
Calling involves the transmission of information through sound waves. When calls are made, information exchange takes place between the caller and the receiver. Calls can be as either long or short. It completely depends on the person making the call and the receiver. In terms of efficiency calling engenders efficient communication because there is no waiting period, both the caller and receiver can react and respond immediately. This saves time since you can have a conversation in minutes rather than spend hours sending text messages back and forth. Communication is also clearer because the mood of the recipient can be assessed, questions can be asked and clarifications obtained. For emergency situations where an immediate response is needed or detail urgent information needs to be shared, calling is a very efficient method to communicate. The disadvantages associated with calling include the fact that reception affects clarity of information and the line can also get cut before a call is ended. Continuous signal is necessary for calling. If the signal is bad or interrupted, the call cannot be made and would need to be repeated. This can affect emergency or urgent situations. Also, since calling is obvious, there are places where calls cannot be made such as places where there are calling rules like libraries or churches and meetings. In terms of cost, calling is more expensive than texting. While the cost of SMS and calling are usually bundled together with other services, in some plans they are paid for separately. Either way, a differentiation of texting and calling costs show that texting is by far the cheaper. The cost of calling can be ten-fold higher. This explains why students and people with financial constraints prefer texting.
In conclusion, both calling and texting have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Calling is a very efficient way of communication and is preferred for meaningful, expanded communication. It makes for more information transfer, more dialogue and real interaction. It is the appropriate method for use in formal communication. Texting is also an efficient way of communication for short messages. This can be invaluable as long messages and talking are not always necessary. There are also situations where texting is simply appropriate and necessary. In situations where calling is not possible or is not available for instance, texting can be an efficient method of communication to bridge the gap. In casual communication between people such as friends and families, texting can help to save money. Texting can also be used in emergencies. The fact that text messages can be sent and received silently means that at church, in the library or other places where one cannot make calls, texting can help people to carry on their conversations or send important messages. The type of dialogue, the scope of information, cost considerations or even simple spur of the moment choice can determine peoples’ use of either method. Sometimes a combination of both methods is used. Calling and texting are both important and needed methods of communication.
