Practice decency in texting messages

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Advancement in communication technology is highly welcome to everyone especially when it comes with greater efficiency and reduction in usage costs. However, there are problems where technological advancement is not coupled with the observance of effective communication skills and social etiquette. For instance message texting using WhatsApp has greatly improved communication in both business and social circles. It is so because it is far less expensive and users can chat for a long time. But when decency and order are ignored in the use of texting messages, it can really hurt relationships.

One of the challenges in texting messages is the use of slang or streetwise language in an effort to be brief. Unfortunately words and pictures are used which may be found wanting on the scales of morality and decency. Some words which are unpleasant to voice out in phone call or face-to-face conversations can be easily used in text messages. In fact, some mischievous people are taking advantage of texting to say or suggest unlawful and immoral things. If one is not careful, they may end up using foul language in their speeches or getting into illicit sexual relations.

Another challenge in the use of text messages is the tendency to ignore friends or people physically around you in preference to unseen text users. Have you ever seen how someone you are talking to suddenly cuts off the conversation and rushes to reply to a text message? Such behaviour can inadvertently suggest that those whom you are conversing with face-to-face are less important.

To add salt to an already bleeding wound, some people do not even excuse themselves politely from the present conversation before they switch on to the text chat. You may have to wait for a long time before your abruptly adjourned conversation is resumed. In addition to the pain of having your conversation hijacked by the unseen ‘texter’, you could be irritated by the sound of unending incoming texts.  A number of road accidents have occurred as a result of drivers involved in text chats. So the misuse of texting facility can actually cause death not only of drivers but also of innocent people.

Here are a few suggestions which can restore or retain decency and order in the use of text messages. Some of the suggestions are mine and others were taken from the Awake magazine of the July 2014 issue. Firstly, text only at appropriate times. Do not send unimportant texts at night and disturb someone’s sleep or rest. The Bible says that there is an appointed time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Secondly, there is need to check your tone. Voice inflection, facial expression and body language help message receivers in face to face conversations to accurately interpret the intended meaning. But these elements are missing when you use text messages so the use of common courtesy words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is very appropriate. Colossians 4:6 reads, “Let your words be gracious, seasoned with salt.”

Thirdly, if you are expecting an important message, it is necessary to politely excuse yourself from a present conversation. If the text is not important, it can wait because ‘your phone will still be there after the present conversation but your friend may not be there when you finish texting.’ If you continue texting the whole time while someone is waiting, it may mean that you do not care about their company and you would rather be somewhere else. The Bible says that he who has friends must show himself friendly.

Finally, it is clear that your cell-phone manners really matter. So you need to think before you hit the send button. If you feel that your text message might be misunderstood then add some emoticons with a smiley face or kkkk at the end of the message. Always review your text before sending so you do not hurt other people’s feelings with wrong words. Proverbs 12:18 says, “Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword.”

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