That Parent-Child Conversation Is becoming Instant, and Online

"Instant messaging, long a part of teenagers' lives, is working its way into the broader fabric of the American family." (285) This piece discusses instant messaging and how in the last 18 months has really grown. Just as many parents are staring to instant message as much as teens do now a days.  Now that many families have more than one computer in a home, the machines spread beyond just talking and interacting with people out side of the house, but actually communicating back and forth from someone in the other room. A lot of people feel as if it is silly or lazy to send a text or an instant message to your mom down stairs, asking what is for dinner, but some psychologist say that the role of the technology within families can be remarkably positive. Many say the messages are helping to break down the interpersonal barriers that often prevent open communications. "they are able to talk with one another about issues that bother them more readily online than when they are talking face to face." (286) Why have we become this way? In a way it is like we have to hide our feelings through a computer. I feel that it is unhealthy in a way. Talking to another person face to face gives you the dignity and confidence you need, instead of running from it. I understand that it is easier to say something hurtful or truthful in a message, because you do not see their reaction, but I honestly feel like that is the easy way out. The whole instant messaging mom whats for dinner?, is something I dont worry about becasue yeah its okay to be lazy at times, but when talking about a serious issue, I dont feel like messaging is healthy.
They throw out there in this piece that all the times you look back and wish you would not have said something and maybe wish you had that 10 seconds to think before you spoke; well this is where instant messaging comes in, you have a built in counting to 10. Is that really something to rely on? I strongly believe that people will get so used to communicating through computers. It does in a sense have its pros and cons.
This is something that everyone will have their own opinion on because not everyone feels comfortable talking in person to one another, but how does it help you to get over that if your always commuting through messages?

*** This Email was sent by a student at Lima Senior High in Lima CIty School District.