And Why It Never Ends Well.

Though I’m a big fan of social media, I’m not convinced that it has helped in relational conflict. Words that are typed can not carry the emotion or inflexion that our verbal language holds.

Furthermore, a typist is often far braver than he or she would have been in a face-to-face conversation or debate. This is not only true for social media, but for email and text messaging as well.

These Are Powerful Tools!

But if we’re not careful, they can lead to communication breakdown in a hurry. Soon relationships are crumbling and our community or organization is in shambles.

Regretfully, I have not always been so wise with my communication. I know the above statements to be true, because I have made the mistake of being the sender in days-past.

Because of my past, I have put forth a far more serious effort toward embracing and promoting verbal conflict resolution. Emotionally charged, typed conversations just end badly.

The Feedback Is Varied.

Needless to say, the feedback, and sometimes pushback that I’ve received displays the shift in our culture.

People will often question why I would ever want to address conflict face-to-face or through a verbal phone conversation? The thought being that since this method is difficult and stressful, it should be avoided at all costs. They might ask,

“Since social media is easier than actually talking to someone, shouldn’t you use that instead?“

Nope! Bad idea.

Sometimes the assumption is that because I’m a guy who readily embracing technology, I should prefer dealing with conflict via text, email or instant message. These folks might ask,

“Since you use social media regularly, shouldn’t you also use it in times of conflict?“

Nope! Again, a bad idea.

Full disclosure; it has taken way longer than it should have to come to these conclusions. And yet, being tech-savvy has shown me the daily hurt that can be poured out from dealing with conflict cowardly over social media, email and text.

I have chosen not to hide behind a screen anymore. Why not join my camp and do the same?

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts:

How have typed conflicts gone poorly in your life? How have verbal conflicts ended better?