This drastically affects human interaction, the are unable to hold a real meaningful conversation. Being able to conduct a sound, meaningful conversation on the spot is what builds a person's communication skill. .
A mother texted her daughter who was away at college asking how things were going. Her daughter answered with positive statements followed by smiley emoticons and hearts, she seemed happy. However, she attempted suicide later that night. Authentic and genuine communication is our only real method of connection as human beings. Texts include abbreviations and emoticons, which may not accurately represent a person's true emotion. "Studies show that only 7% of communication is based on the written or verbal word. A whopping 93% is based on nonverbal body language" (Tardanico). Undoubtedly, it's only when we can hear a tone of voice or look into someone's eyes that we're able to know someone's true emotion. A "I'm okay" text with a smiley emoticon is different than hearing that in person. A person who texts "LOL" probably isn't really laughing.
Are we really communicating? With 93% of our communication matter stripped away, we are now attempting to forge relationships and make decisions based on phrases. (Tardanico). However, there are certain conversations that do not require one that is face-to-face. For example, texting someone "I'll see you at 8". It would be a waste of time and energy to say that to someone in person rather than just sending them a text message. It is because that kind of statement does not require the use of emotions or what a genuine conversation provides. .
Susan Tardanico, a leadership and communications consultant and coach states that the use of communication electronically has overtaken face-to-face communication by a wide margin in the workplace. This shift has been caused by the the speed/geographic diffusion of business, and the preference of electronic communication among the growing segment of our employee population: Gen Y and Millennials.