The Psychological Effects of Text Messages

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   Misbah786posted 3 years ago

   While having a debate with friends, a friend  recently told me that text messages cannot hurt anyone's feelings because they are merely illusions. This is something I disagree with.
   
   I believe everyone of us are real people sitting behind the screens. We all have emotions and feelings. We do get hurt by words other people write to us. Because we write what we feel. Furthermore I believe whatever we say over text is something we think about more before pressing the send button. We do make mistakes in random speech, but what we write is what we think and read twice, and we do it on purpose.
   
   I believe that words have the ability to both break and heal us. Yes, I believe that not everyone's harsh words can make you feel sad or down, but some people you are close to, such as family, friends, relatives, (and sometimes online friends too, may create a place in your heart as well if you have a good friendship or understanding with them.) Of course, this is my opinion, and you are free to disagree with solid proof.
   
   Do text messages have the power to hurt people's feelings? Why do we see people arguing or quarrelling on forums if texting cause no harm or don't have the ability to hurt emotions?     
   
   Though we are often unaware of the words we speak, read, and expose ourselves to, words are extremely powerful tools that we can use to boost our personal and others energy and improve our and other people's lives.
   
   Yes, I believe, even other people's words can have an impact on our personal vibration. Just think of spending a few minutes with a person who talks all about negativity, who uses a variety of derogatory terms and attitude, and you'll notice your personal energy level dropped like a stone.
   
   So my question is, do your texts have the ability to hurt anyone's feelings or upset anyone? Can you tell when someone is being disrespectful to you via text messages?
   
   Thank you so much!

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      ChitrangadaSharanposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Misbah!
      I agree with your views. Just as a pleasant message from a family member or a friend cheers you up, an unpleasant message can hurt badly.
      As we say, think before you speak, one must check twice, before pressing the send button.
      Words have the power to make or break, whether by speech or by text.

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         Misbah786posted 3 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, Di, I agree that words have the power to make and break. It can bring both tears and joy. We must stay cautious when we speak or write and should double-check before pressing the send button. Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind response.
         
         Blessings and Love as always

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      bravewarriorposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you wholeheartedly, Misbah. Both texts and emails can do harm or be misconstrued. Without the benefit of voice inflection, body language, and facial expression, words are completely open to interpretation. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad.

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         Misbah786posted 3 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you so much for your very kind and thoughtful response, Shauna
         I agree with you!
         Blessings and Love to you!!

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   Jodahposted 3 years ago

   Misbah, I certainly feel that text  messages can have an affect on people’s feelings. They are not illusions, but just as real as words spoken in oral speech. As you say in text we even have time to reread and change the words to make sure they are what we really want to say.
   Especially now days when text and instant messages are used so widely to communicate. There are lots of heated debates online and people even break up with their partners via text messages in some cases. So yes, text messages can hurt one’s feelings. There is no doubt.

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      Misbah786posted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much, John. As always, you provided a very wise response. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness.
      
      Blessings, dear friend!

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   bhattucposted 3 years ago

   It depends on the the emotional and sentimental level of the recipients of that message. In most of the cases they are hurt. Some shrewd and thick skinned might ignore it.
   Happy new year.

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      Misbah786posted 3 years agoin reply to this

      I agree, Sir. You are very right about different emotional and sentimental levels of the recipients. Yes, most people do get hurt. I always appreciate your kindness and support. Thank you so much for your very generous and thoughtful response. Much Gratitude!!
      
      Happy new year to you as well. I wish and pray it brings you lots of peace and happiness. Ameen!
      
      Blessings always!!

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   Brenda Arledgeposted 3 years ago

   Misbah
   Words are more powerful than any weapon.
   They can bring tears of heartbreak & sadness as well as joy & happiness.
   
   Most definitely...one can tell when the words are meant to be harsh.
   Unless of course, there is a miscommunication due to language issues.
   
   Sometimes words mean different things in different cultures...I've come across this a few times.
   
   It's like we often speak before we think and we tap the send button before we realize the pain our words can cause another person.
   
   If I ever text anything hurtful...stop me in my tracks.
   
   Hugs
   Bredz

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      Misbah786posted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, Bredz, you are right; words are a powerful weapon. They can be served as both honey and bullets. I believe it is necessary to exercise caution before saying or sending anything to anyone. We sometimes don't respond to certain messages because we don't want to cause harm to others. It is sometimes not attitude but respect that we show them by not responding back. It is preferable to remain silent rather than to offend anyone with our words.
      
      In Urdu there's a proverb that says ''Zubaan Arsh Pe Bhi Pohanchati Hai Aur Farsh Pe Bhi'' that translates as ''The tongue has the power to transport you to the throne as well as the floor.''
      
      I believe that we should always try to reach the thrones with our words. Words have the power to both bite and show affection. We must use them with caution.
      
      Thank you so much for your very kind and sweet response. I always appreciate your kindness and love.
      
      Much Love and Blessings!!

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   Gianella Labradorposted 3 years ago

   Misbah,
   
   I believe written words are just more powerful when said through voice. Because you'll remember it and once said it will be a stain to your memory. Especially hurtful words.
   
   Psychologically, if some hurtful words are relayed to you orally the more it sticks with the person for a long period of time. Like for example, children being told and yelled at that they aren't enough, they always have to shut their mouth, they are a failure, they don't get acknowledge for their little achievements at endeavors, being compared at to other children, etc. could really make a huge impact in their lives. For one their self esteem and trust in themselves will be greatly affected. They'll be afraid to voice out whatever they think of.
   
   But not just because it's written, doesn't mean it won't affect the person reading it. Readers can be so into it if they are already affected by what they are reading. If the words are starting to make sense to them and so they can relate to it. Writers and avid readers can easily tell the tone of the text, but it will still be difficult since we can't hear it.
   
   Sometimes, talking through text like if we are at the edge of our emotions e.g. mad or sad we often no longer think about what we are typing thru our phones, whatever comes to mind we type/write it out and send it because we were so into the heated conversation or argument. It just comes later on that we get to regret what has been said.
   
   To this new year, I've said this in my poems. Let's all be gentle with our words and opinions. We have no clue about what the others are going through. May it be texts or orally. The past two years have been tough for everyone already. It isn't time for being against one another and bringing others down just to get to the top. We should be lifting each other's up and be more compassionate.
   
   
   Apologies and excuse for my long response.
   
   Regards Misbah!

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      Misbah786posted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Hello, Gianella.
      
      I appreciate your thoughtful and kind response. People, especially when they are aware that the other person is going through a difficult time, force others to kneel down with their harsh words. It is the worst ~ thing folks can ever do to thier fellowmen.
      
      Unfortunately, our words can hurt other people's tender heart. According to psychology, written words that a person reads are more likely to be remembered. Listening is less effective than reading. When it comes to reading text messages, it doesn't matter if they are from friends, family, or relatives. When those people have a connection with us. Their harsh words can hurt and their kind words can bring joy....
      
      Even if it's online, for example, if I say something hurtful to someone online. I may not know the person, but my words have the power to tear apart their soul, ruin their day, and make them feel down because I have no idea what they are going through. No one should ever use harsh words to hurt another person's feelings or emotions. Every human being has the right to be respected, regardless of their culture, creed, religion, or caste. We all are humans even if we are behind screens, I believe.
      
      Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. Much appreciated!!
      
      Blessings always!!

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   Gianella Labradorposted 3 years ago

   Blessings Misbah!

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