Texting is the Worst Invention

Texting really is the worst invention. Here's why:

Every time I get in my car, I make it a point to look at the drivers around me and see how many of them are texting. Just yesterday, I counted 5 texters in less than 10 minutes. A record low.

3 of those drivers (all in a row) were driving in the opposite lane towards me. I was waiting to turn left as I wondered if any of these daredevils would veer slightly to their left and crash right into me at 45 miles per hour.

I imagine that's how I'll go (which won't happen, of course, because I'm invincible, but let's just pretend). I imagine myself innocently sitting in my car, saying something pretty for once, like "What a nice day. I should adopt a pet--" CRASH!!!

The other driver will be fine and come out of their car, saying something like "... what happened?" because when you're on your phone, you're not here in the physical world. Your brain is in another realm. I know this because every time I check out my phone while I'm walking, I look up and have to readjust to my new surroundings.

That's driving.

Homo sapien, hard at work doing something important.

Then there are what I call "essay texts", in which someone you thought was cool decides to deliver a 5 text-long, aggressive, one-sided conversation to you via text rather than have a real conversation.

Oh, if I had a nickel...

The worst part about these texts is that they come in like a barbaric, mythical giant, crashing through your front door. Relentless, irrational, with no willingness or capability to listen to reason.

This is because the texter plans an "ultimate argument as to why..." and no matter what you say, they feel they've already won. They usually end with "And that's why I think that we should...".

There are more effective ways to communicate. Namely, calling.

Like this. See? Look how happy she is.

I'm not saying everyone should stop texting. I know I'll still text. You have to do what works for you.

I'm just saying that life is getting really impersonal, and in that sense, worse. And it looks a lot like that's linked to the convenience (or inconvenience, depending on your stance) of being able to not have to deal with seeing or hearing others. Let's change that.

-Philip