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We all know that I love my iPhone, because it’s got my iCalendar, iPod, iEverything! It’s a nifty know-it-all tool that ensures me that the internet is just one touchscreen away! You’d be surprised how many times Google has come in handy.
Yes, I do have a Phone, but I rarely use it for “phone things”. I also have deep-seeded (not really) issues with self-consciousness on the phone. People have criticized me time and time again because…
1. I have an accent on the phone. Depending on who I’m around, who I spoke to last or what movie I have seen recently, my English might change. If I hear a British Accent or Filipino Accent, I unconsciously mimic. If I hear a California accent, I may say “like” or “dude” a lot more. It happens. Don’t judge me.
2. I talk too fast. Since I’m not analyzing reactions on the face, but simply trying to get the information out there so I can get off the phone I often rehearse my message and deliver it as quickly and efficiently as possible. The problem is, a lot of speech recognition is visual. If you miss the audio, you can usually fill in the gaps with visual clues done through lip reading. Most consonants are visually recognized, and we can tell the difference between a “ba” and a “ta” because of what we see, not just what we hear. The phone takes all of that out of the equation and it becomes harder to understand someone.
3. I don’t like the small talk. I call people for a purpose, and the hobnobbing “how do you dos” and “I’m great how are yous” take up time. E-mails and text are much more to the point! And my phone time is never that comfortable.
4. Sometimes we don’t need two-way interaction. I have information, I’m giving it to you. I’m requesting information, you give it. There’s no need for a real discussion. That’s where e-mail is perfect! I shoot out an e-mail and they get all the information. A phone call just is not as efficient.
I also know that I’m not the only one! More and more people in my generation are opting for the convenience of text messaging and e-mail. Lord knows, some business-related things have been done over facebook! I almost wish I could just banish the phone entirely.
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Comments
06.19.09
Oh my gosh, I thought I was the only one who subconsciously adopts other people's speech patterns! Good to know someone else out there does it, too.
Anywho, I think rules 3 and 4 depend greatly upon who you are talking with. For example, if you know the people in your Contacts list reasonably well, you have a good idea ahead of time who is going to keep the conversation pleasant but succinct, and who won't shut up, no matter how many times you politely try to get off the phone. So two-way communication is not only possible, but kind of nice, when both people respect each other's time. But you are right, often enough the person on the other end of the line wants to tell you their life story when you just want to quickly organize a group outing for the weekend. Great post!
06.19.09
I understand your feelings completely. I've hated making phone calls since I was a kid. I keep thinking it's something I'll get over (I even worked in telemarketing attempting to get over my phone-phobia), but it's still an uncomfortable experience for me. Sometimes though, a phone call is the best way to get in touch with someone, so you just have to suck it up and dial.
06.19.09
I am so with you on Number 3!
If the only thing I want is for you to send me a document, do I have to go through your holiday plans and the state of your children to get it?
People don't understand my aversion to the phone, but I'm glad someone does. If it's in person I'll gladly talk to you. I do rather prefer text and email though. agreed!
06.25.09
i fucking HATTTTTE talking on the phone
love texting dont mind face to face communications but i hate actually speaking on the phone
and i hate when it rings
i actually destroyed several phones because they happend to ring at just the wrong time and be in my line of sight
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