Conversation can often feel easier over text than in person for several reasons:
Reduced social pressure: In face-to-face interactions, there is more immediate social pressure and expectations to respond quickly and appropriately. In contrast, texting allows for a more relaxed pace, giving individuals more time to think about their responses and feel less pressured to reply instantly.
Anonymity and distance: Texting can provide a sense of anonymity and emotional distance, making it easier for some people to express themselves without the fear of immediate judgment or criticism.
Absence of nonverbal cues: Texting lacks the nonverbal cues present in face-to-face conversations, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. For individuals with social anxiety, these nonverbal cues can be sources of stress and uncertainty, which are absent in text-based communication.
Edit and revise: With texting, individuals have the opportunity to edit and revise their messages before sending them. This allows for more careful consideration of their words and reduces the risk of saying something that may be perceived negatively.
Reduced sensory overload: In-person conversations can be overwhelming for some individuals due to sensory stimuli, such as noise, crowds, and physical proximity to others. Texting eliminates these factors and provides a more controlled and comfortable environment for communication.
Asynchronous communication: Texting allows for asynchronous communication, meaning that responses can be delayed without causing social discomfort. This flexibility can be beneficial for individuals who need extra time to process and respond to messages.
Social skills challenges: Some people may experience challenges with social skills in face-to-face interactions, making it easier for them to communicate through text, where the pressure of real-time social interaction is reduced.
It's important to note that while texting can be more comfortable for some people, face-to-face communication has its own advantages. In-person conversations allow for richer and more immediate interactions, facilitate the exchange of nonverbal cues, and foster stronger emotional connections between individuals.
Ultimately, the preference for text-based communication over in-person conversations can vary from person to person and depend on individual personalities, social anxiety levels, and specific communication needs. Both forms of communication have their place, and the key is to find the right balance that works for each individual's comfort and social well-being.