The Limitations and Challenges of Text Communication T_T
T_T - This symbol was created yesterday by myself and a few mentors. It means - Text communication is hard, but I am trying my very best to understand you.
So often, we all struggle to fully understand one another in text communication. Especially managing or working as a team is hard when communicating exclusively over text. We need to be way more open and honest about this communication limiation in our community (especially on our leadership teams). Moving forward I challenge you all to accept this limiation and be open about it with yourself and one another. Instead of assuming someone is trying to intentially offend you or exclude you by their words, please first think of the text limiations we have. Ask them to clarify their words and be open to the fact that it may take a little extra time to fully understand what someone is trying to communicate to you!
Limitations of text only communicaiton include: Not being able to properly see body language, voice tone or facial expression. Additionally, there may be cultural or language differences missed by text only communication.
We can no longer be in denail about this problem. We are a global community, with people from all over the world. We will continue to struggle with this, it is inevidable. Please join me in using this signal to accept this problem as a community and use it as a way to communicate patience and support towards one another as we coordinate and communicate via text.
T_T
Discussion questions -
What limitations have you encountered on 7 Cups with text communication?
Have you ever completely misunderstood someone on text?
Share a story from working as a team and communicating over text!
What cultural difference can be seen in text communication?
"Have you ever completely misunderstood someone on text?"
Yes, the worst being here where I felt I had to block the individual until he/she was able to quickly and totally clarify the matter/situation.
Its hard because maybe the listener or the memebr is thinking about how to reply so since you don't see them you may misunderstand as a delay In response.
T_T is tough because humans use several 'tools' when communicating face to face. Slight variations in tone, facial expressions even the posture can set the tone of the communication flow. All this is lacking in T_T, which means that people start making assumptions based on their thinking which may be influenced by their own biases.
This can be set off by using emojis, keybd. shortcuts and apostrophes, quotations, but can we ever equal T_T to real life encounters ? I don't think so, in the meantime we have to improvize and manage.
@meaculpa777 yes! I have personally always felt very able to read and understand people and I cannot do that on text so really struggle :(
@Laura
<3
eMoji set, great idea! (I don't know how to portray a bulb textually LOL)
People can feel less bad about being mean, because they don't have to see the person's face and reaction.
@ellabellie I hear you. It feels less real b/c they don't see the effect it has on that other person.
You are right the detachement of feelings in text message is real.
@ellabellie
@Laura I've noticed that many people err on the sude of assuming that a text message is urgent or expects an immediate reply. Also that lengthy texts in a row are perceived as "badgering" or "nagging". This isn't true across the board, but I have found iy often enough that I have changed the way I text (rayher than constantly explaining..."that wasn't my intent"
@Laura thanks for this T_T. I always feel blindfolded in a text chat. I feel my ears are plugged.
There are no facial expressions or body language, there is no tone in their voice, there is no twinkle in their eye, you cannot see their tears or their smiles, You cannot hear them laughing or see them shaking their head, you cannot see the frustration they feel or know if they are serious or sarcastic.
To me it is like trying to draw a portrait of someone or paint one, and the only thing you have to go on is words you see on a page. I have enough trouble just drawing or painting a portrait when I can see and hear them.
We have the hardest people to people communication job that I know of. Don't be hard on yourself. This is hard work for sure.
We certainly lose out on nonverbal communication with text. And that is HUGE!
However text is a great tool and its convenience allows us relay important information with ease and even use it socially. The latter is where it has large positives and negatives. We cant allow texting to be our M.O. for relational communication. I believe it stunts our relatablity, honesty, and communication skills. Especially for those who become greatly emboldened behind their keyboard; their unfiltered minds let loose causes more harm than good.
As a therapist who usually says leave texting to asking spouse/partner/roommate if there is milk at home, its ironic Ive signed up to a text-only counseling service.
That being said, I do agree that texting could make for a very interesting therapeutic dynamic. If both counselor and client purposefully slow down before texting, I think maybe each response can be thought provoking, insightful, and based in curiosity.
I love the notion of using language to convey meaning that is often very non-verbal. Its a hell of a challenge.
@JoshuaNashLPCS thank you for your insights.
I want to add that text communication shouldn't be doomed since it's often the only possible medium in some circumstances, e.g. Being not able to leave the house, physical limitations like deaf-blindness, anonymity reasons....
T_T this is a great thread. Ill answer the questions later but i wanted to post to thank you for opening the floor to this discussion.