Mass E-mail Madness

I got an email from a friend updating me on his upcoming life adventures. It was a sweet and thoughtful note, but one thing stopped me from appreciating it as much as I should. In the To box it read, “undisclosed recipients.” The letter was for all his family and friends, and while I am humbled to be considered in this category, the letter also felt less sweet because of it.

I was born into a generation that texts rather than talks, that emails instead of sending a hand written letter through the post office, and frankly I hate it. People always tell me how they use Facebook to see what’s going on in their friend’s lives. I argue that my friends know what is happening in my life, even if they live far away, because I communicate with them. Don’t get me wrong; I do see the benefits of technology and social media allowing us more ways to keep in contact. But I also see the ugliness it’s brought.

I’ve talked to many teens that feel uncomfortable talking to their teachers, so they email instead. Teens have also told me talking on the phone can have awkward pauses which makes them uncomfortable, so they text instead. We are losing the art of conversation.

I know my friend’s intentions in sending the email were only good. He was looking for a way to share his news with a variety of people quickly and efficiently. He accomplished those things. What he failed at was creating intimacy.

Intimacy is created out of privacy, and a mass email is anything but. I wonder if someday society will revert its ways… Look at that, I just received a text message from my roommate who is currently with me in our apartment; not a sign of hope, that’s for sure.

For me, I will always appreciate the extra time it takes to plan a date to be with someone, or make a phone call, or write a letter. It’s adding that personal touch and putting in a little bit more effort that I think shows more heart in communication.