The first-ever text was sent on December 3, 1992, by Neil Papworth, a 22-year-old software programmer from the UK. It simply said, "Merry Christmas." From there, texting grew in popularity, and by 2000, SMS (the acronym for “short message service”) was taking over the world. Source: www.vodafone.com

For those born between 1980 and 1995, adolescence was uniquely divided between a time of little to no technology and a time of a lot of technology. One day, all you had was a tube TV and a landline; the next, everyone had computers, dial-up Internet, and cell phones. 

Those born before 1980 can genuinely attest to how much technology, the Internet, and texting have changed how we communicate. Even with the integration of emojis and reactions (e.g., heart, thumbs up, thumbs down), short quips from a keyboard lack a human touch and deprive us of truly conveying ourselves and understanding the other person. 

While texting is undoubtedly convenient, an intro to Speech Communication will tell you that body language is essential to good communication! Developers took note, and video calling was released. 

While video calling existed before 2020, it undeniably grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when people were desiring human contact, video calling was the answer. It allowed people to connect face to face, see each other smile, and hear each other laugh. It offered the human connection so many people were yearning for. 

The popular video-conferencing host Zoom peaked in 2020 and was briefly the leading platform. Since then, Zoom has faced competition from other major platforms, including Google Meets and Microsoft Teams. All three giants continue to thrive and maintain steady user retention. Source: www.statista.com

Has video calling replaced old-fashioned texting and phone calls? It's possible for a handful of reasons:

1. Video calling is more accessible and inclusive for those who are deaf or have hearing impairments. Phone calls cannot accommodate the ability to communicate via ASL, nor do they allow for reading lips and body language.
2. Video calling is more personal. If you are working with a new contact, video calling allows you to make eye contact, smile, and use your hands to talk. Seeing the person you are talking to can create a connection that cannot be emulated via phone calls or text messages.
3. Video calling is more intimate. When discussing severe or solemn topics, it is easier to convey and understand one another's emotions when you can see facial expressions. While you cannot hug over a video conference, you can express empathy and kindness through body language and hand talking.
4. Video calling is more relaxed. Being hands-free allows for you to sit comfortably without holding a phone to your ear. In the right setting, it can provide a hang-out-type vibe. Spending time with others via the Internet is much more personal, with the ability to see one another's faces.

Whether you want to connect for professional or personal reasons, video-calling offers options that cannot be replicated by text or phone. An added benefit is that it doesn't require giving out your cell phone number or personal information; video conferencing can be as intimate or impersonal as needed, providing you with a customizable experience.