The Thumb Generation by Motte Brown on 01/03/2008 at 3:07 PM

My realtor "texted" me from Mexico this morning. It was my first. My response was clumsy and possibly inadequate. I know because I've seen teenagers at the mall playing their cells like a concert pianist plays a grand. My thumbs just aren't conditioned for that type of communication.

Dr. Albert Mohler blogged today about the evolution of the Thumb Generation and its effect on society.

Scientists around the world are noting a change in the human body. The average human being now has a more powerful and accurate thumb. Why? As Edward Tenner, author of Our Own Devices: How Technology Remakes Humanity, explains, this phenomenon can be traced to the use of those tiny buttons on PDAs and cell phones. We are now using our famed opposable thumbs like no previous generation.

As Tenner reports, the current generation of young people in Japan are called the oyayubi sedai -- the Thumb Generation. The trend is not limited to Japan. Just look at the next American teenager you see.

Dr. Mohler references Tenner's book and an NPR segment with observations about how we don't call a "place" anymore and how people who don't have cell phones are such an inconvenience to others. It's true, isn't it? I mean, I get annoyed when people who do have cells don't answer or get back to me right away.

One of the problems with advances in communication technology is that it creates an expectation that everyone's time is always available to us. And sadly, it can become a watermark for our hierarchy of friendships. We think the people who give us their time when we demand it are our real friends.

As for texting, I don't think I'll ever be efficient at it. I just don't care enough to know what my pal Chuck is up to every minute of the day.

The Thumb Generation by Motte Brown on 01/03/2008 at 3:07 PM

My realtor "texted" me from Mexico this morning. It was my first. My response was clumsy and possibly inadequate. I know because I've seen teenagers at the mall playing their cells like a concert pianist plays a grand. My thumbs just aren't conditioned for that type of communication.

Dr. Albert Mohler blogged today about the evolution of the Thumb Generation and its effect on society.

Scientists around the world are noting a change in the human body. The average human being now has a more powerful and accurate thumb. Why? As Edward Tenner, author of Our Own Devices: How Technology Remakes Humanity, explains, this phenomenon can be traced to the use of those tiny buttons on PDAs and cell phones. We are now using our famed opposable thumbs like no previous generation.

As Tenner reports, the current generation of young people in Japan are called the oyayubi sedai -- the Thumb Generation. The trend is not limited to Japan. Just look at the next American teenager you see.

Dr. Mohler references Tenner's book and an NPR segment with observations about how we don't call a "place" anymore and how people who don't have cell phones are such an inconvenience to others. It's true, isn't it? I mean, I get annoyed when people who do have cells don't answer or get back to me right away.

One of the problems with advances in communication technology is that it creates an expectation that everyone's time is always available to us. And sadly, it can become a watermark for our hierarchy of friendships. We think the people who give us their time when we demand it are our real friends.

As for texting, I don't think I'll ever be efficient at it. I just don't care enough to know what my pal Chuck is up to every minute of the day.

Comments

[1. Anna said the following at 5:03 PM on Jan 3:]

1

I don't text. Sometimes I wish I did because it would be more convenient for the person I am trying to contact - that way I would be able to get the info to them without having to necessarily interrupt them. But at other times I think it's just another substitute for actually interacting with a real person, or at least their voice.

But the biggest reason I don't have it is just because I don't want to pay the extra $ per month. :)

[2. Jacob Douvier said the following at 5:22 PM on Jan 3:]

2

I have a confession to make: I'm a snob. I refuse to text message, even if someone has sent me a message. Even if it didn't cost me money, I wouldn't do it. I think it is a really shallow form of communication. What really bugs me is when people start texting other people when I'm trying to talk to them. It's as bad as people answering their phone in the middle of a conversation. Unless it's under special circumstances, it's pretty rude.
I think this reveals more about our lack of etiquette and respect for other people.

[3. Joy W. said the following at 7:27 PM on Jan 3:]

3

I have a confession to make: I DO text. I've done it pretty much daily for a couple of months now. It's a great way to send quick "I'm thinking of you" messages to people I wouldn't be able to talk to during the day. It doesn't replace phone calls or face to face interaction, it augments them.

[4. Chrysti said the following at 7:28 PM on Jan 3:]

4

I don't text either, nor do I have it on my phone anymore... I can see its pros and cons... I simply don't have it because I got tired of paying for text messages that were sent to the wrong number.

[5. BDB said the following at 12:58 AM on Jan 4:]

5

You know, I thought I used my Crackberry too much...until I saw a 17 year old with an unlimited texting plan. She couldn't go 30 seconds before she had to look at her phone in her purse. I can actually leave it in the car during lunch without getting antsy...

Though I do admit that I like how my new one allows me to use the full keyboard to respond to text messages. I can spell everything properly and I'm still faster than those teenagers...ah, technology.

Now, if someone would just explain to me why I'd want to plug an i-Pod into my car...

[6. kman said the following at 6:55 AM on Jan 4:]

6

I just look at text messages as small emails. I use them to send info and the person can retrieve it when they're ready.

I also keep my cell on silent mode. I don't want to add to the general noise pollution from random music that plays in public now days. Usually in a loud and tinny fashion and what's better is the person with loud cell phone checking to see who is calling all the while the ringer is going full tilt! Yay! LOL

[7. Erin said the following at 7:24 AM on Jan 4:]

7

Amen! I loved this line in particular:

"One of the problems with advances in communication technology is that it creates an expectation that everyone's time is always available to us."

I am a total Luddite when it comes to cellphones in general, never mind texting! I rarely turn mine on, unless I have to call someone else, because I don't want to be on a "leash" so everyone can always get ahold of me at a moment's notice. Also, I am one of those rare dorks who believe that talking on the phone while driving, EVEN WITH A HANDS-FREE DEVICE, is just too dangerous to do.

Any other anti-cell folks out there? Sometimes I feel like I am the only old fart left who is opposed to anything-goes cell phone use!

[8. Adam D said the following at 9:09 AM on Jan 4:]

8

I thought video game controllers were what made us the thumb generation.

[9. Trevor Dolby said the following at 10:12 AM on Jan 4:]

9

Here in Britain, texting is so "normal" that most of us don't give it much thought - we just use it as another communications mechanism. It's a bit like email, in that people can read and respond (or not) whenever they want, and you don't have to interrupt them with a phone call.

That said, I have seen girls start to get worried that their boyfriends are playing around when they don't respond quickly enough to text messages - they obviously expect to get immediate attention . . .

[10. Kathryn said the following at 5:31 PM on Jan 4:]

10

oh man is this a sore point with me.

When I meet up with a friend, we do it intentionally. This means that when someone else txts me, I do NOT respond. However, pretty much every other person will respond! I let my phone ring out all the time, I hang up on incoming calls and I delay sending txt msgs even for a number of hours, because my time with my friend is more precious and urgent than whoever's calling me.

If it's really urgent, they'll keep on calling me and if I get a couple of calls in a row, I'll pick up the second time.

So many times have I felt unimportant because my friend interrupts the conversation to respond to a msg she's just received. Then she'll have this whole conversation with txting while I'm sitting there politely waiting for her to finish. Awkward much!

[11. T. said the following at 10:33 AM on Jan 5:]

11

I don't think any form of communication is evil or good. I think texting can be a great way of communication: if I know somebody is busy right now and I can't interrupt them by making a phone call (e.g.: they are in a meeting or seminar or class), I text them to leave a message that they will read later on. I am not addicted to texting, though. I send maybe one or two text messages per day (on average, some days it's just zero!). Some people believe your time is theirs regardless of communication forms, it's not the cell phone's fault. Before the cell phone, I already knew some people who acted like that, they believed that you did not love them/you were not their friend unless you were available for them the second they wanted you. Possessive/childish people have always existed, it's up to other people to have boundaries.

[12. Rhonda said the following at 7:35 PM on Jan 7:]

12

Surely people's thumbs can't possibly be changing due to an increase in a specific activity! What might one call such a thing? Wait, I know! Evolution, anyone? Sheesh.

[13. Chris Krycho said the following at 7:20 AM on Jan 8:]

13

Erin,

I don't blame you for any of that - save the "even with a hands free, too dangerous" bit. Research (backed up by common sense!) has repeatedly shown if you're using a hands free device that talking on the phone is no different than talking to a person sitting next to you in the car in terms of distraction and danger. So if you want to really stick to that line of that, you'd better have a quiet car, too: no conversations with your passengers! :p

I don't text much. Some, but not much. I'd rather call them... or better yet, just meet face to face. Texting is all right sometimes, and I'll use it as an extra in communication - but never its foundation.

[14. Christina said the following at 8:45 AM on Jan 8:]

14

Chris said
I don't text much. Some, but not much. I'd rather call them... or better yet, just meet face to face. Texting is all right sometimes, and I'll use it as an extra in communication - but never its foundation.

I agree wholeheartedly. I only text if i can't make the call immediately. And that usually leads to me being so cryptic and unclear that I get a "huh?" and have to call them anyway cuz I don't feel like writing a novel on a keypad the size of my palm.

[1. Anna said the following at 5:03 PM on Jan 3:]

1

I don't text. Sometimes I wish I did because it would be more convenient for the person I am trying to contact - that way I would be able to get the info to them without having to necessarily interrupt them. But at other times I think it's just another substitute for actually interacting with a real person, or at least their voice.

But the biggest reason I don't have it is just because I don't want to pay the extra $ per month. :)

[2. Jacob Douvier said the following at 5:22 PM on Jan 3:]

2

I have a confession to make: I'm a snob. I refuse to text message, even if someone has sent me a message. Even if it didn't cost me money, I wouldn't do it. I think it is a really shallow form of communication. What really bugs me is when people start texting other people when I'm trying to talk to them. It's as bad as people answering their phone in the middle of a conversation. Unless it's under special circumstances, it's pretty rude.
I think this reveals more about our lack of etiquette and respect for other people.

[3. Joy W. said the following at 7:27 PM on Jan 3:]

3

I have a confession to make: I DO text. I've done it pretty much daily for a couple of months now. It's a great way to send quick "I'm thinking of you" messages to people I wouldn't be able to talk to during the day. It doesn't replace phone calls or face to face interaction, it augments them.

[4. Chrysti said the following at 7:28 PM on Jan 3:]

4

I don't text either, nor do I have it on my phone anymore... I can see its pros and cons... I simply don't have it because I got tired of paying for text messages that were sent to the wrong number.

[5. BDB said the following at 12:58 AM on Jan 4:]

5

You know, I thought I used my Crackberry too much...until I saw a 17 year old with an unlimited texting plan. She couldn't go 30 seconds before she had to look at her phone in her purse. I can actually leave it in the car during lunch without getting antsy...

Though I do admit that I like how my new one allows me to use the full keyboard to respond to text messages. I can spell everything properly and I'm still faster than those teenagers...ah, technology.

Now, if someone would just explain to me why I'd want to plug an i-Pod into my car...

[6. kman said the following at 6:55 AM on Jan 4:]

6

I just look at text messages as small emails. I use them to send info and the person can retrieve it when they're ready.

I also keep my cell on silent mode. I don't want to add to the general noise pollution from random music that plays in public now days. Usually in a loud and tinny fashion and what's better is the person with loud cell phone checking to see who is calling all the while the ringer is going full tilt! Yay! LOL

[7. Erin said the following at 7:24 AM on Jan 4:]

7

Amen! I loved this line in particular:

"One of the problems with advances in communication technology is that it creates an expectation that everyone's time is always available to us."

I am a total Luddite when it comes to cellphones in general, never mind texting! I rarely turn mine on, unless I have to call someone else, because I don't want to be on a "leash" so everyone can always get ahold of me at a moment's notice. Also, I am one of those rare dorks who believe that talking on the phone while driving, EVEN WITH A HANDS-FREE DEVICE, is just too dangerous to do.

Any other anti-cell folks out there? Sometimes I feel like I am the only old fart left who is opposed to anything-goes cell phone use!

[8. Adam D said the following at 9:09 AM on Jan 4:]

8

I thought video game controllers were what made us the thumb generation.

[9. Trevor Dolby said the following at 10:12 AM on Jan 4:]

9

Here in Britain, texting is so "normal" that most of us don't give it much thought - we just use it as another communications mechanism. It's a bit like email, in that people can read and respond (or not) whenever they want, and you don't have to interrupt them with a phone call.

That said, I have seen girls start to get worried that their boyfriends are playing around when they don't respond quickly enough to text messages - they obviously expect to get immediate attention . . .

[10. Kathryn said the following at 5:31 PM on Jan 4:]

10

oh man is this a sore point with me.

When I meet up with a friend, we do it intentionally. This means that when someone else txts me, I do NOT respond. However, pretty much every other person will respond! I let my phone ring out all the time, I hang up on incoming calls and I delay sending txt msgs even for a number of hours, because my time with my friend is more precious and urgent than whoever's calling me.

If it's really urgent, they'll keep on calling me and if I get a couple of calls in a row, I'll pick up the second time.

So many times have I felt unimportant because my friend interrupts the conversation to respond to a msg she's just received. Then she'll have this whole conversation with txting while I'm sitting there politely waiting for her to finish. Awkward much!

[11. T. said the following at 10:33 AM on Jan 5:]

11

I don't think any form of communication is evil or good. I think texting can be a great way of communication: if I know somebody is busy right now and I can't interrupt them by making a phone call (e.g.: they are in a meeting or seminar or class), I text them to leave a message that they will read later on. I am not addicted to texting, though. I send maybe one or two text messages per day (on average, some days it's just zero!). Some people believe your time is theirs regardless of communication forms, it's not the cell phone's fault. Before the cell phone, I already knew some people who acted like that, they believed that you did not love them/you were not their friend unless you were available for them the second they wanted you. Possessive/childish people have always existed, it's up to other people to have boundaries.

[12. Rhonda said the following at 7:35 PM on Jan 7:]

12

Surely people's thumbs can't possibly be changing due to an increase in a specific activity! What might one call such a thing? Wait, I know! Evolution, anyone? Sheesh.

[13. Chris Krycho said the following at 7:20 AM on Jan 8:]

13

Erin,

I don't blame you for any of that - save the "even with a hands free, too dangerous" bit. Research (backed up by common sense!) has repeatedly shown if you're using a hands free device that talking on the phone is no different than talking to a person sitting next to you in the car in terms of distraction and danger. So if you want to really stick to that line of that, you'd better have a quiet car, too: no conversations with your passengers! :p

I don't text much. Some, but not much. I'd rather call them... or better yet, just meet face to face. Texting is all right sometimes, and I'll use it as an extra in communication - but never its foundation.

[14. Christina said the following at 8:45 AM on Jan 8:]

14

Chris said
I don't text much. Some, but not much. I'd rather call them... or better yet, just meet face to face. Texting is all right sometimes, and I'll use it as an extra in communication - but never its foundation.

I agree wholeheartedly. I only text if i can't make the call immediately. And that usually leads to me being so cryptic and unclear that I get a "huh?" and have to call them anyway cuz I don't feel like writing a novel on a keypad the size of my palm.