The importance of phone and video calls as opposed to check-in texts.
Title
The importance of phone and video calls as opposed to check-in texts.
First Name
Richard
Last Name
Boakye
Current location
Worcester, NY
Relationship to Union
Student
Minerva House
When this took place
I started doing this a lot more towards the end of March, ever since the corona virus impact shut down the world as we know it.
My Experience
I had a conversation with an older fraternity brother who explained to me the superiority of hearing and/or seeing someone when asking them about themselves and how they are doing. In this world it seems like a simple text gets the job done. However, the truth is often hidden within a text due to the lack of emotion and authenticity associated. He told me if I really wanted to check in on people, I should give them a call or video chat. From trying it, I immediately saw the difference. With a text, "how are you" could get a simple reply of "I'm alright" rendering a three line conversation. Whereas on a call, that same scenario allows for a connection signifying you're there to hear them out and can foster a longer conversation. Situations, good or bad, you may not have been aware of are then brought to your attention. That's when you'll really know how the person is doing.