Has SMS & Text Messages taken over our world now?

Not so long ago when I got my first computer, then laptop, then an office job, we were given email accounts.
I love them as I can create different Subjects with different people, and can sort, reply and deal with them whichever way I like.

But nowadays it seems everything is on Text Message, be it SMS, WhatsApp, FB Messenger, WeChat and many more. Even Doctors, Corporations and Merchants are using them, not to mention Tenants, Owners, other Agents etc etc.

Everything comes in SMS whether you ask for it or not.
Just signed-up for Costco Online and bang, SMS came it.

I was brought up at the era where SMS is only for urgent matters, that you may not keep.
Also SMS is usually one to one.
Emails are different.

The worst part is people answer my email by SMS. Ah!!!

Rant over!

 

I think it depends person to person. I'm much more of an email person than a phone call person myself, but i know plenty who are the opposite.

I think SMS is okay for informal stuff, (eg im running late, will be there in 5) and we use it for some automated notifications in the office (ie your inspection is due, refer to email for full details). But wouldnt really use it for anything other than that.

When people respond to an email with a call or sms that confuses me - reply using the same medium you got the original on!

 

It does appear to be that way. Further to the snippet below, when I did switch my phone on Lo and Behold there was also a text reminding me to confirm the appointment I had made and as well there was the same request in my email.

And while completing the form updating patient information (part of a re-accreditation process) I deliberately left blank the boxes for text reminders of appointments and all other goodies like health bulletins. Almost felt sorry for the lass who came over to me saying I had forgotten to compete these boxes when I responded with "I know." I guess she was somewhat perplexed as I assume it wasn't a response she would expect.

 

From a business marketing perspective SMS makes a lot of sense as open rates will be ~95% vs email ~20%.

 

I'm a Luddite - I refuse to answer formal invitations which come via text it's either an email or a phone call as appropriate (if I don't answer the text, I get a call anyway).

If it's a confirmation, no problem but not for many other things.

 

What I hate is when people send a text that you know is only going to generate more questions. Much easier to call and have an interactive conversation.

 

I find official messages, that need a "paper trail" is email ... casual or appt confirmation is txt. I also get annoyed by getting a call when a two word txt answer would suffice

 

I have a person in my family who likes to ask favours via text. My golden rule is that if you want something from me then it is only courteous to make the effort and pick up the phone and ring and ask for said favour. Texting me will get you nowhere

For anything longer than a few sentences I prefer email. For quick stuff then I text.

 

For business I don't send or receive texts (SMS) at all.

I've just requested quotes for a ducted a/c, selected an installer and had it installed, with no text messages exchanged. It was all phone calls, emails and face to face.

Just gone through the same process for a solar system. All phone calls and emails. Just got my first SMS today. My response? STOP

 

Today I had more online chats with customers than phone calls. No one wants to talk anymore.

 

Lovely to hear from you a Lovely Bunch here.
At least I know I'm not alone....

A moment ago I received a SMS from our Plumber I just paid his bill via email. He SMS me his Receipt! He's a very nice guy and I love him to bits! But how do I tell him that there's a lot of effort to download his SMS Receipt and convert into something sensible I can forward to the Owners? Think I'm to old for this!

 

I think it’s a millennial thing. I’ve discussed it with friends and the consensus seems to be

email: overwhelmed with spam on personal accounts, or for work, so hard to break through the noise
Phone call: rude, as it imposes your timeframe on the other person
Message: respectful, as it conveys the information needed and allows person to respond in their own time and confirm an appropriate time for a call if needed for a richer conversation

I know that’s quite contrary to some older generations perspective on things.

 

You're lucky to get birthday greetings from your siblings. I don't even get a SMS

 

I'm and X-er and very much follow the above rules.

As for birthdays. Hey, I sent txt birthday wishes - or FB message - and get the same in reply. Means we think of each other without having to try and converse

 

Years ago I became frustrated that businesses were trying to communicate with me through WhatsApp. I heavily criticised the informal nature of the medium of conversation.

However, in recent years, I've just become accustomed to the form of conversation and have generally given into it, including the informalities, although the societal trade-offs of such communication does make me question things moving forward.

As a I don't live in Australia, it has become very useful for me to engage in quick conversations with buyer's agents and my property manager, so I'm thankful for this element of it.

 

thats the same feeling I get whenever I speak to any overseas call centre

 

I hate how rude and informal the world has become, especially by sms/text type applications,

however 2 things I love about them is

it leaves a "paper' trail for legal/practical purposes
informal stuff like "can you pick up some milk" the receiver can still get the msg when they cant answer the phone