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?
Some people are not very good at elaborating their feelings through words only. It would be much easier to also see how they're feeling and their non-verbal cues.
@Laura It can be especially difficult working with users who are very emotional because you can't read their body language or tone of voice. I've been lashed out at a few times because of this. However, I understand why the people did this and have empathy for them. When we're experiencing strong emotion or in "emotion mind", the rational part of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) shuts down, our fight, flight freeze response kicks in, and our amygdala (the part of the brain that controls our survival responses) runs the show. We are not able to think things through and understand the other person's circumstances or point of view, hence why we might lash out at someone or freeze up when we feel anxious, fearful, threatened or angry.
@Laura It can be especially difficult working with users who are very emotional because you can't read their body language or tone of voice. I've been lashed out at a few times because of this. However, I understand why the people did this and have empathy for them. When we're experiencing strong emotion or in "emotion mind", the rational part of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) shuts down, our fight, flight freeze response kicks in, and our amygdala (the part of the brain that controls our survival responses) runs the show. We are not able to think things through and understand the other person's circumstances or point of view, hence why we might lash out at someone or freeze up when we feel anxious, fearful, threatened or angry.
This is definitely a challenge of our times! People experience it when texting their spouses, friends or family. People experience it when emailing co-workers or bosses. And now, we experience here in this type of forum. It can be hard to overcome, for sure. Without being able to read non-verbal cues we miss so much information. I really do think its a good reminder to slow down... mean what you say (and say what you mean)... and put more through / effort into the words you use.
@Laura. I think it depends on who the person is. For instance, it is easier for some people to articulate thoughts in text or written communication than they can verbally. Sure you can see all the non verbal cues and behaviour to decipher what the other person's intent is but i would personally rather hear what the person feels is their truth rather than constantly studying behaviour as if they are something to be unmasked. texting gives them the time and the quiet to not feel like they can express coherently what they feel at their pace as opposed to them having to feel some sort of urgency or weight attached to their answer by the mere prescence of another. i think a major chunk of the argument against texting is that you cannot express empathy as effectively. in my opinion, you can express it effectively and to your fullest capacity if you are willing to. The times that i have felt most safe is in the company of words, and i think that applies to other people as well if not all of them
Communicating effectively via all the various forms- IRL vs. texting vs. email vs. social media- I
i find text to be great and terrible at the same time. it asllows me to think through how i want to say things (and often over think it) forces me to slow down and consider what i have said before sending something as well. the downside is that in a text it can be unclear when someone is done with the conversation and would rather stop or change subjects.
Text communication can be great for introverts. It also gives individuals the courage to express how they feel without the intimidation of looking in the person face. They have the opportunity to say everything that they want. On the other hand, it can also get misconstrued and cause problems.
@Laura
Silly emojis aside (I really hope this face thing isn't going to show up in 1-1s with members...), I think when it comes to text-based communication, it all comes down to not being afraid to ask for clarification. There's absolutely nothing wrong with saying, "I'm sorry -- I don't understand what you mean when you say xyz." There's also nothing wrong with reminding a hesitant member that you're still here, and that you're listening (especially in those silent gaps of time when you see a bit of typing that comes and goes). It's all about being forward and taking the initiative to make sure that people are comfortable. If you make it clear that you're human, and that you understand that they're human, too, then the limitations and challenges of text communication minimize. As relationships build, communication via text becomes easier and more natural. But it's always a process, especially in the beginning. And isn't that the point of communication and support anyway?
