The Risk of Chatting

We live in a world where technology allows us to stay connected at all times. However, the way we communicate has drastically changed. Today, it’s common for most of our conversations to happen through text messages, WhatsApp, Slack, or social media chats. And while these tools offer speed and convenience, they are also slowly pulling us away from the true essence of human communication: connection through voice, presence, and eye contact.

When we send a text message, we lose essential nuances—tone of voice, facial expressions, the pauses that speak louder than words. All of that vanishes behind a screen, and what’s often left is a cold, ambiguous, and in many cases, shallow exchange. It’s no surprise that misunderstandings happen so frequently over text: a short message or emoji cannot replace the impact of hearing someone’s voice or looking into their eyes—even through a screen.

Verbal conversations—whether in person or through platforms like Zoom—invite us to be present. They require us to truly listen, to sense the other person’s emotions, and to respond not just with words, but with gestures and our full attention. When we speak face-to-face or voice-to-voice, trust deepens, misunderstandings fade, and relationships grow stronger. But when we reduce communication to mere text, it becomes superficial, and we risk losing depth and purpose in our connections.

Living with purpose also means communicating with intention. It’s not just about sending or receiving information—it’s about building meaningful, authentic relationships. If we want our words to carry real impact, we must be willing to pick up the phone, turn on the camera, or better yet—seek out opportunities for in-person connection. These forms of communication allow us to connect from a human place, from sincerity, from that sacred space where true bonds are formed.

This isn’t to say we should stop texting altogether. It’s a valuable tool for practical matters—for scheduling, coordination, or quick updates. But let’s not allow it to replace the conversations that truly matter. Ask yourself: When was the last time you called a loved one just to hear their voice? When did you last look a friend in the eye while they shared how they were feeling?

The invitation is simple: choose the kind of communication that reflects how much you value the relationship. Don’t let texting reduce your conversations to something mediocre. Listen. Look. Speak.
Because that’s where real connection begins.