We all have our preferred methods of communication.
Some of us prefer face-to-face conversations, others would rather send an email, and then there are those who prefer texting over calling.
As it turns out, this preference can reveal quite a bit about a person’s behaviors and overall personality.
According to psychology, individuals who choose texting over calling often display certain behaviors and personality traits.
Understanding these could give you insight into those around you, strengthen your relationships, and improve the way you communicate in both personal and professional situations.
In this article, we’re going to dive into 8 behaviors typically displayed by people who prefer texting over calling.
By understanding these traits, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of your own communication preferences but also learn how to better interact with the texters in your life.
1) Higher comfort with written communication
The first behavior that often crops up in individuals who prefer texting over calling is a higher comfort level with written communication.
Written communication, such as texting, allows for more time to gather thoughts, construct responses, and express oneself clearly. This preference could indicate a person who values precision and clarity over spontaneity, which is more common in phone calls.
Psychologically speaking, people who prefer texting may feel more anxious or uncomfortable with real-time verbal communication, where immediate responses are expected and there’s less opportunity to edit or revise what’s been said.
So, if you notice someone in your life heavily favoring text messages over phone calls, they might be someone who appreciates thoughtful, well-constructed responses.
2) Tendency towards multitasking
Another common trait found in people who prefer texting over calling is a tendency to juggle multiple tasks at once.
I’ve observed this in my own behavior.
As a small business owner, my day is often filled with a constant stream of tasks demanding my attention. And honestly, I feel more accomplished when I can manage multiple things simultaneously.
Texting fits right into that dynamic. I can send off a quick message while in the middle of a project, continue with my work, and then respond when the reply comes in – all without missing a beat.
Phone calls, on the other hand, require undivided attention which can disrupt my workflow. This could be another reason why some people, like me, lean more towards texting.
We can communicate effectively while maintaining the rhythm of our workday.
3) Preference for solitude
People who gravitate towards texting over calling often have a preference for solitude.
It’s not necessarily about being antisocial, but more about cherishing their own space and time.
A study published in the Journal of Psychology found that individuals who prefer texting tend to score higher on measures of solitude seeking. They appreciate the quiet, the space to think, and the opportunity to respond at their own pace.
Texting provides a buffer that allows these individuals to manage their interactions on their own terms, and in their own time.
This preference for solitude doesn’t mean they don’t value connection or communication – they just prefer to engage in it differently.
4) Appreciation for control over conversations
People who favor texting over calling often value having control over their conversations.
This isn’t about being controlling or manipulative, but rather about having the ability to manage the pace and flow of communication.
Texting allows you to respond on your own timeline, think over your words before hitting send, and even choose when or if you want to end the conversation.
It gives you a level of control that’s usually not present in phone calls, where responses are expected immediately, and interruptions are common.
So, if you’re dealing with someone who prefers texting, keep in mind that they may appreciate this sense of control.
5) Sensitivity to others’ schedules
At the heart of some people’s preference for texting over calling is a deep consideration for others’ time and schedules.
They understand that we all live busy lives and that an unexpected phone call can disrupt someone’s day.
They don’t want to impose or assume that their urgency is shared by the person on the other end of the line.
Texting offers a considerate solution.
It allows them to reach out without demanding immediate attention. The recipient can read and respond at their convenience.
This thoughtful approach speaks volumes about their respect for others and their time. It’s a small but meaningful way they show care in their communication style.
6) Inclination towards introversion
People who prefer texting over calling often lean towards introversion.
I can speak to this from personal experience.
As an introvert, I often find phone calls draining. The immediate responses they require can be mentally exhausting and leave me feeling depleted.
On the other hand, texting offers a respite. It allows me to communicate without having the energy drain that often accompanies phone calls.
Introverts are not necessarily shy or antisocial, as commonly believed. We just need more time to recharge after social interactions. Texting provides the space for us to do just that while still staying connected with others.
7) Valuing of documentation
People who prefer texting over calling often value having a record of their conversations.
Texting provides a documented trail that can be referred back to whenever needed.
This can be particularly useful in professional settings where details and agreements need to be recorded.
But it’s also handy in personal conversations, where it can help recall details of previous discussions, or serve as a sweet memento of a cherished conversation.
So, if you’re interacting with someone who leans more towards texting, it might be because they value the ability to document and revisit conversations.
8) Need for emotional buffer
At the core of the preference for texting over calling is often a need for an emotional buffer.
Texting allows individuals to manage their emotional responses in a controlled and measured way.
Phone calls can sometimes put people on the spot, leading to emotional reactions or responses they might later regret.
Texting, on the other hand, offers that crucial pause where one can process their emotions and craft their response accordingly.
This need for an emotional buffer doesn’t signify weakness or insensitivity. Instead, it underscores a conscious effort to manage emotions effectively and maintain harmony in their interactions.
It’s perhaps one of the most significant aspects that drive people to choose texting over calling.
A deeper understanding
The nuances of human behavior are fascinating and often have profound implications for our relationships and interactions.
Our preference for texting or calling is not a mere technological choice, but a reflection of our personalities, our insecurities, our comfort zones and even our biochemistry.
For instance, research has found that individuals who send more text messages tend to have higher levels of dopamine in their brains.
Dopamine, often referred to as the “reward chemical,” is associated with pleasure-seeking behavior, motivation, and attention.
This could potentially explain why some people might find texting more rewarding and engaging than calling.
This understanding can shape the way we communicate with one another. It invites us to be more mindful about our communication choices and appreciate the diverse ways in which people interact.
So next time you reach for your phone to send a text or make a call, remember there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface than simply sharing a piece of information.
It’s an intimate dance of personalities, biochemistry, emotions and behaviors all coming together to form the fabric of human connection.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.
