Colton Roberts
Professor Channon
English 1301-30541
12 September, 2017 Phony Communication Skills
In his essay, “When Texting Is Wrong.” Randy Cohen voices his argument that perpetual
texting has become a problem of ethics, especially for the youth at home and young adults at
work. The author is quick to point out that no agreement was made on the regulations of texting,
but that the influences of conformity are what caused such a downhill spiral in the trend, that is,
to be in constant contact with others via text messaging. He states that the continuous
interruptions brought forth by this trend are not only dangerous to one’s self, but pose a potential
threat to surrounding people. Cohen ends his argument by providing a solution to the problem –
a rework on manners at home and in the work place.
It is easy to agree with the author on the issue at hand as I am constantly crossing the
paths of strangers who are immersed in their devices without a clue that I even exist before we
part ways. The potential to form new relationships with others, during that first minute of what
could have been small talk, is thrown away. I was pleased that the author did not neglect to
are relying more and more on phones to communicate.