Here’s my Number, Call me Maybe?

“Should I call?” or “Or Should I text?”, are reasonable questions that come to mind before making communication through a phone. I feel as though a call can be used for trivial or even light pass-time conversation. In a situation where maybe you have a medical emergency and you need to communicate to a relative immediately, a text might not suffice to the urgency of the message; rather a call would be more efficient. I feel that when I see a missed call or missed Facetime notification on my phone, I tend to text or call after to ask what possibly important message I missed. I might use texting as a quick, “Hello, how are you?”, or “What time was practice again?” since these questions aren’t as urgent as others. To call or to text is something that comes voluntarily after having a phone for a majority of my life, without thinking I know what form of communication to use depending on the urgency of my message.

Another factor that might come into play when deciding how I would send a message would be, “Is this professional?”. If I were to call a college lacrosse coach about setting up a tour or asking about information on their team, I would most likely send a call. When I have interviews, I tend to receive calls on the phone, this could be for sports or for work. In many ways, a call can come off more professional that a text message. A call is more personal than a short typed text message. Text messages are indeed more convenient, as they are quick and get the point across without the pressure of a full-voiced conversation. Yet, it seems that there is a norm in technology where a call is the more professional option of communication. I think there is a time and place to use either communications approach.

Typically someone is more opt to notice their “missed call” rather than a missed text, due to the fact that you don’t receive a “missed text message” notification. Also, the voice message option is available after a missed call, giving the other recipient even more noticeable on the missed communication. I have never heard, “Hey, can you text 911!!!”, as that would almost be silly considering how less urgent a text is, a call would be more convenient in this situation. Always depending on the situation can dictate the choice between to call or to text.

Overall, when you break it down there are many factors to determine why someone might call or text. There are many reasons why someone would choose either option. A call would be beneficial for a professional or urgent conversation, for instance calling the Police Department or college admission. A text would suffice for a quick update or hello like to check up on someone or ask them how their game went. Either way, both types of communication are convenient for different reasons that have valid points, thankfully our advancements in technology have given us this choice.

“phone call” by Sean MacEntee is licensed under CC BY 2.0.Copy text