As the centuries pass, ways of communicating improve more and more. Since the printing press came along, people have come up with many ideas as to how society can communicate from one person to another. While there are immense benefits of living in the 21st century, communication between people fluctuate from speaking to people to not using words at all.

 
“Many people think that we don’t know how to communicate face to face anymore but I think it gives a chance for shy people to try and express their opinions too,” freshman Sara Rohleder said.

 
According to Business Insider, as of 2013, the average texts sent per month by people between the ages of 18 and 24 is 2,022. As the ages go up, the amount of texts sent decreases from 1,130 to 244 texts. As a result, face-to-face communication seems to be a concern in the minds of some people wondering if we talk too much through technology and not enough in person. Instant communication seems easier and better to some people.

 
“I would say that I talk to people face to face less than I do through technology, because with my phone or other electronics, it’s a lot faster and easier than having to go and see the person you want to talk to,” freshman Kelsi Page said.

 
Senior Shelbie Berens believes people are too reliant on only using texting to communicate to others.

 
“Thirty years ago, texting didn’t exist so people talked on the phone, sent hand written notes, or better yet, got together in person,” Berens said.

 
“Technology’s advancements have made communication quicker and easier, however texting is somewhat sad to me because I feel like the majority of communication with people doesn’t come from words, but from the tone of their voice, look in their eyes, or their body language,” Berens said. “Texting takes away so much of what is actually being said, and I wish people would go back to more personal ways of communication every now and then.”

 
Technology has come a long way and has become more accessible to send a message instantly. As time moves to the future, ways in communication may grow to their full extent of speed and personal communication. Or people may want to resort back to simple face to face conversation.

 
“As much as I hate it, I communicate through technology quite a bit,” senior Jordan Wilson said.

 15rarthur@usd489.com