If we were to exchange numbers, I would quickly tell you that I hate texting and am terrible at it. What I mean though, is that I will probably hate texting you because you’re terrible at it. But it’s not your fault; it’s just how our brains evolved. Despite its proliferation, messaging apps are not designed with our brains in mind, and most people do irresponsible things on autopilot without reflecting on their behavior¹. As someone who’s researched social connection and cares about how technology alters our ability to understand other’s minds, I want to share why texting is awful. And I want to suggest ways to improve the experience if only to avoid hating you, should we ever exchange numbers.
Chart of Sunsets in Toronto for December
Did you know that in Toronto, the winter solstice isn’t the day the sun sets the earliest? That actually happens on December 9th. I’ve…