We Asked Y(O)U Answered: Texting Vs. Calling

In today’s world, communication has never been easier. With everyone on their phones, people are only one call or one text away. Preferences for communication can vary, depending on the person and situation. Some prefer the comfort of sending a text without feeling the pressure of a real-time conversation. Others value the effort of a phone call and the ability to have a real, uninterrupted conversation. And of course, everyone has that one friend who never picks up or answers their texts, so it doesn’t really matter how you try to reach them. With many thoughts on the topic, The Commentator asked students what their preferred way of communicating is and why.  

Bailey Feintuch (SCW ‘26)

Major: Biology

I prefer usually calling if it’s a close friend, or if I have something important to say, but for something that’s smaller I would usually text. I mainly send voice notes instead of texting, just because I feel like I can get my point across better in my own words. Also, I like using up people’s time and just saying “like…umm…sooo yeah” a lot.

Yehuda Goldman (YC ‘26)

Major: Psychology

Minor: Finance 

I prefer calling over texting because it’s more personable, and I usually forget to text people back. I only prefer to text if I’m busy or not so familiar with the person that I’m talking to. 

I think in general it’s more respectful to call someone because you have a greater ability to fully give that person your attention in that moment, and you’re able to communicate a lot more emotions through a call over a text message. 

Aryeh Bluth (YC ‘27)

Major: Sociology 

In general, I prefer to text. I find texting to be more polite since the recipient can choose to respond to said text message whenever is most convenient for them. 

Obviously, there are things that are time sensitive, in which case you call. A long back-and-forth text is easier to just talk through the phone. I think texting is also becoming more of a generational thing, like my grandparents for the most part don't really text, so I will almost always call them. 

Also, I think texting is a lot less confrontational. It takes away the personality of the message. I think one good thing about texting is reaching out to people you [aren’t so close with], or you haven't spoken to in a while. I'm not super extroverted, but I don't have a problem sending a happy birthday text to someone I went to high school with and haven't really spoken to since there is a sort of disconnect with texting.

Aliza Gans (SCW ‘27)

Major: Psychology 

Minor: Music

Texting is easier when I am in the middle of something, but sometimes, I find if I need a response right away, calling will be best. I definitely opt to text more often because I can plan my words ahead of time versus a phone call where I might have to come up with an answer very quickly.

Steven Galitzer (SSSB ‘26)

Major: Accounting

Minor: Finance

I totally prefer calling for communication. I think there is no better way to truly understand what someone else is saying other than hearing their voice. Texting is great, but I feel like it should only be used to coordinate, or in situations when you really can’t talk. What I really don’t like though is voice notes. If you and I can both talk at this moment then just call me, if not then I won’t be listening to your voice note until I am free to talk again, which at that point just call me. 

Avi Landsman (SSSB ‘27)

Major: Business Analytics

I definitely prefer calling. Calling someone and having a good conversation is impossible to replicate over text. You can text someone for hours and have a good conversation for sure, but it’s gonna feel off and not as real as a phone conversation. 

Texting on the other hand has the convenience of being able to answer or even read the other person’s message whenever you want! While that’s convenient and could make sense in certain circumstances, it’s no longer a real conversation. It’s more like sending letters in the mail back and forth. I would text someone over call if I have a question to ask someone, [and] I don’t want to put them on the spot.  

There’s a bigger issue that comes from [texting]: People don’t know how to properly socialize in person or even on the phone because growing up with texting, snapchat [and] DMs — you’re never exactly put on the spot to think of something to respond. On a phone call, or especially in person, you’re socially being put in a position where you have to quickly think of a response. 

While that’s way harder for a person and seems less preferable, it’s really important for kids, even us college students, to practice having real conversations where you’re put in the uncomfortable position to give a response in real time.

Photo Caption: Telephone

Photo Credit: Unsplash / Annie Spratt