In an impersonal world

Texting with friends is a much better option as it enables you to be short and precise in your approach. One is able to express oneself through the minimum no. of words. Moreover, since we are living in such a fast-paced world, meeting most people is not always possible. At a time when most of us find it tough to complete even our daily tasks, how can we manage travelling often in order to stay in touch with and to have conversations with friends and acquaintances. As a student, I find it tough to make time for hobbies. Hence, how can I find time to meet someone? So, I look for alternatives that save some of my time. Conversations over texts not only save time but also cut travel expenses, which, in turn, I use in a more productive way.

Texting is nowadays one of the most preferred means for talking to loved ones. With just a single emoji, you can express your mood. But hearing a sweet greeting is way more better than receiving a Good Morning picture on your Whatsapp account. I would prefer personal communication to text messages. Personal interaction is far better than the latter because it connects a person to another in a true sense. Text messages express only artificialfeelings and create an illusion of a vast social group whereas in reality such a group is non-existent. When we meet people we make memories, but the textual world has no concern with building memories or strengthening relationships. With technology and social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, face-toface communication tends to lag behind. That way, we tend to neglect personal relations. Emotions have more meaning when they are expressed and shared real time rather than being merely texted using emojis. Often, emotions are misinterpreted on social media, which may lead to misunderstandings. In face-to-face communication, it is easy to identify others’ emotion and give an apt response, which builds a good relationship.

Yash Khandelwal, Class 12, Ramjas Day Boarding, Anand Parbat Divansh Bansal, Class 9, Vikas Bharati Public School, Rohini Tejasvini Ponnamvalam, Class 11, Amity International School, Mayur Vihar

I prefer face-to-face communication rather than texting. Virtual communication doesn’t work for me. That way, even calling is better than texting because you can decipher the tone of the voice. Calling will always be be a healthier and more efficientform of communication. Through calling, I can emotionally connect with the person and can sense his or her ideas and feelings.

Shreyan Biswas,

Class 8 C, Amity International School,

Saket

Reza Alipourshenazandifar of Iran competes in the men’s speed competition final (L to R) Anna Brozek and Aleksandra Rudzinska (both from Poland) and Mariia Krasavina of Russia, the second, first and third place winners, in women’s speed section of the IFSC Climbing World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria Jessica Pilz of Austria takes part in the Women’s Bouldering semi-final Aleksandra Rudzinska of Poland seen in action during the qualification round of the women’s speed competition Winners of the men’s speed section at the event.(From left) Bassa Mawem (France), Reza Alipourshenazandifar (Iran) and Stanislav Kokorin (Rus), who were placed second, first and third, respectively PHOTOS: AFP

ILLUSTRATION: SHANTANU MITRA