From Psychologies · Isabelle Thibaud · · 1m 30s
Why you'd rather text than call
Cornell researchers tracked 18 months of calls and texts, and the preference for typing turns out to say something about how you handle people.
In brief
Cornell researchers tracked 18 months of calls and texts, and the preference for typing turns out to say something about how you handle people. Choosing text over a call is usually about wanting to say the right thing, not about avoiding people. Originally reported by Psychologies.
Texting over calling
More people now reach for a message instead of the phone, and get side-eye for it. Cornell researchers say the habit maps onto how you handle relationships, emotions and priorities.
What the study looked at
American psychologists analysed 18 months of mobile records from 24 people, comparing when they called and when they texted. The patterns split clearly by channel.
You think before you speak
Texters tend to process internally. A message gives you room to sort your thoughts first, where a call demands an answer on the spot.
“Les SMS offrent l'opportunité de réfléchir avant d'agir.”
Getting the words right
You can reread, rephrase and adjust before hitting send. That care about precision reads as coldness to some people, but it is closer to respect.
“Ce souci de précision n'est pas de la froideur, mais une forme de respect envers l'interlocuteur.”
No small talk required
Calls come loaded with polite filler and a tone you have to perform. Text skips the social mask and gets straight to what you actually meant.
“Le SMS permet à l'individu d'être plus authentique, sans l'obligation de maintenir une façade sociale.”
Guarding your energy
Phone calls ask for immediate presence and constant emotional management. Texting lets you reply when you have the capacity, which protects your wellbeing without cutting anyone off.
The essence
Choosing text over a call is usually about wanting to say the right thing, not about avoiding people.
