Do you remember the song, “We Don’t Talk Anymore?”

It was written back in the 1970s, long before mobile phones had become a part of our lives.

How many of us recall the days when you picked up the phone and dialed your best friend, sister or Mother for a long gossipy chat? Usually, you curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea or coffee. Or, perhaps you had a glass of wine or a gin and tonic close to hand.

As you talked through your day, your worries, anxieties, stresses and achievements were important to the listener, even if they were routine to you.

In return, you gave advice, listened and, most importantly, talked.

Does Technology Make it Easier or Harder to Communicate?

Now, we have mobile phones. As a result, it’s often easier and quicker to send a text message in abbreviated form. Pretty much all of us have sent a message like, “How R U?”

In reply, you get an equally short message, like “all OK here.” Without another word, you sign off and move on with your busy life.

I remember when I bought my first cell phone. I went to the store with my daughter and was adamant about one thing – “I don’t want to do anything but use it for emergencies,” I said.

I certainly didn’t want to “text.” Why would I? “You will Mum,” my knowing daughter replied. How right she was!

Once I discovered the speed and convenience of sending text messages, I was hooked.

10 years later, it feels like my phone is welded to my hand as I constantly respond to the annoying little pings that come through all the time.

Woe betide me if I forget to turn it off at night – the “ping” can be heard throughout the house, waking everyone and the dog.

I am beginning to ask myself if this is a good thing. Recently, it occurred to me that I miss my half-hour gossipy phone calls. So, I am trying to revert back to chatting rather than texting.

Unfortunately, the time that was once free for this enjoyable activity has been swallowed up by other activities.

Now, in the disappearing hours of the day, I am left remembering, just as I am falling asleep, who I forgot to call. Maybe I’ll do it in the morning.

As for letter writing – don’t get me started!

Do you think that text messages have made us less willing to pick up the phone and have a conversation? Do you remember sitting on the phone for hours as a younger woman? Please join the conversation.