Dating

In the age of Facebook and Myspace, has the art of asking for someone‘s phone number disappeared? I don’t remember the last time one of my friends has told me that they gave their phone number to someone. They’ve been telling me that they exchanged Myspace or Facebook information.

Now while doing this has its good points, it also has its bad. First of all, it’s sort of like having a textual relationship (talking via text instead of picking up the phone and talking to your significant other). The benefit of technology has, while making our lives easier, also made us less communicative with others if there needs to be effort made. Many people just simply prefer to text or to IM rather than pick up the phone.

The other problem is that each person can get the wrong impression of the other. Say you use Facebook IM and one person makes a joke, but the other person takes it seriously. It’s a little difficult to decipher conversations online, even when using emoticons (::rolls eyes :: ). You can’t hear the persons voice, so it’s a little hard to get a good read on what they mean when they make certain statements.

Don’t forget the issue of trying to be friends with someone who misinterprets your intentions just because you exchange facebook or Myspace information with them.

On the other hand, it seems to ease the nervousness of contacting someone that you’re interested in. It’s a lot less nerve-wracking when you’re sending a “Hey how are ya?” IM on facebook or a message on Myspace then when you have to pick up the phone worried that you’re going to sound like an ass. This can be a blessing for the incredibly shy people who are just trying to make it past the first three words.

Giving someone your online information is also good because if they turn out to be a complete jerk that you can’t get rid of,  it’s much easier to block them then to have to deal with avoiding their phone calls and then finally having to change your phone number. Not to mention it’s less expensive (uh, $15 charge each time my phone number gets changed- and no it doesn’t matter the reason).

My personal opinion is do whatever you feel comfortable with. However, when it comes to conversing over the computer, make sure you ask before you flip out over something someone said. Question them first and let them know that you don’t want to misinterpret what was said. One warning though. Make sure that your relationship, whatever it may be, doesn’t stay completely online or via text. Give them your phone number after you develop more of an impression of them. It’s still great to hear the other person’s voice and develop more of a personal connection with them.

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