Text Based Expresion

Text messaging is the next generation of instant messaging. You can carry your conversation any where instead of sitting at a computer and chating. However one concern with a text based communication is trying to express yourself while having a conversation. People take both tone of voice and body language for granted until they try to express themselves in a purely text-based medium.

While using text messaging texters need to be aware of each others personalities, how they would typically respond while face to face, and the use of text. To further illustrate this I will simulate an exchange of text messages between two people.

Debbie: Do you want to go to the Watering Hole and get a beer tonight?
Harriet: Yah ok...I'll jump in my car now!

This conversation can be read at face value: Harriet is excited about going to the Watering Hole and is leaving to meet Debbie right away. However, anyone that personally knows Harriet is perfectly aware that she despises going the Watering Hole, and her response should not be read as enthusiasm but pure sarcasm.

Harriet's response is relying on the fact that Debbie knows Harriet's personality; this response would not work well with someone that does not know Harriet well. There are other ways to further express personality through text messaging, which will be explored further in upcoming blogs. However it is important for the average texter to be aware of how they want their text message to read and how it can be potentially read.