On the very same day I saw two emails that began with phrases that indicated they were clearly sent by text. One began “Hell all.” This was a friendly message from a friendly person sent to a friendly group and I’m pretty sure the final o dropped off the first word. The second seemed to have AI in mind as it read “Thank you bot.” It was sent from a phone to two individuals (or androids?). There’s a reason I don’t text. Apart from being cheap and having to pay for each text I receive or send, that is. The reason is that it’s far too easy to misunderstand when someone is trying to dash something off quickly. Add to that the AI tendency to think it knows what you want to say (I’m pretty sure it has difficulty guessing, at least in my case, and likely in yours, too) and errors occur. We write to each other in order to communicate. If we can’t do it clearly, it’s time to ask why.
Those who email as if they’re texting—short, abrupt sentences—come across as angry. And an angry message often inspires an angry response. Wouldn’t it make more sense to slow down a bit and express what you want to say clearly? We all make typos. Taking the time to email is no guarantee that you’ll not mess something up in your message. Still, it helps. I think back to the days of actual letter writing. Those who were truly cultured copied out the letter (another chance to check for errors!) before sending it. There were misunderstandings then, I’m sure, but I don’t think anyone was suggesting someone else is a robot. Or cussing at them from word one.
The ease of constant communication has led to its own set of complications. Mainly, it seems to me, that since abbreviated communication has become so terribly common, opportunities for misunderstanding increase exponentially. I’m well aware that I’ll be accused of being “old school,” if not downright “old fashioned,” but if life’s become so busy that we don’t have time for other people isn’t it time to slow down a bit? Technology’s become the driver and it doesn’t know where the hello we want to go. The other day I forgot where I put my phone. I signed on for work but couldn’t get started because it requires two-step authentication. Try to walk away from your phone. I dare you. Thank you bot, indeed.
