With the advent of the internet's plethora of chat mediums, from IRC, to AIM, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ (remember that one?), and all kinds of other texting communications I think we're starting to lose touch with our manners. Let me give you an example.
A coworker of mine whom I have quite a bit of respect for always starts his IMs with a "hi".. usually followed by "how are you" before he even starts talking about work, or his question, or reason for making the contact.
It's worse than just chat though, remember a long time ago, people used to say hello on the phone, ask how the other person was, what was going on, THEN get to the reason that you called? It was called proper manners. Now it's "Hi, I need..." and I'm as guilty of it as anyone else is.
Here's the thought... next time you IM someone, say hello first. Ask how they are, and let them answer too! Instant gratification and massive increases in communication speed might just have a bigger cost than we realize at first...
I agree. In fact, if you notice, I still identify myself when I call someone on the phone, even though I know for a fact that they have caller ID.
ReplyDeleteI also try to include an "intro" to IMs and emails to make things more friendly, especially at work.
Totally agree! Even though IM is instant communication with someone, I really try hard to acknowledge them with a hey or hello first. And ask if they are free or have a second to talk with me at that moment. Just because someone is available on IM, doesn't mean they are available for you! :)
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