Chapter 1: The Decline of Thoughtful Communication

In today's fast-paced digital environment, voice messages have become a common way to communicate. However, I find them quite frustrating.

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Think back to when people exchanged handwritten letters or paused to consider their words before making a phone call. Do you recall the effort that went into crafting a concise text message? Each of these actions required mindfulness and contemplation.

There is a clear distinction between composing a message and engaging in a conversation. Writing allows both parties time to reflect on their responses, while a phone call facilitates immediate interaction. Yet, both methods have their drawbacks. Written correspondence demands clarity, as the recipient cannot interject with questions, while phone conversations can be less precise but are more dynamic.

Voice messages, however, blur this line.

I’m not referring to brief voice notes sent out of convenience; instead, I’m talking about those lengthy recordings where the sender seems to be sorting through their thoughts. Who wants to listen to a 3-minute monologue that feels more like a stream of consciousness? I certainly don’t want to take notes while commuting, trying to decipher your ramblings. Most of these messages could be condensed into a few sentences, but that would require the sender to be more decisive before reaching out.

Voice messages often reflect a lack of effort. They cater to individuals who are either too lazy to type or too anxious to provide a straightforward answer. Essentially, a voice message communicates, “I’m not ready to engage thoughtfully.”

If you have the time and the quiet to record a message, why not just call the person instead? If you believe the other party is unable to take a call, it's likely they also won't be able to listen to your lengthy message. That’s why concise texts exist!

When there's something urgent to convey, why not articulate it clearly in a text? If you’re too busy to type or call, perhaps it’s best to wait until you can.

Voice messages resemble social media posts more than genuine communication. They serve as a snapshot of your emotional state that someone else must endure.

Voice messages can also come off as impersonal commands, akin to speaking to a virtual assistant like Siri or Alexa. It’s entertaining to issue requests to AI, but it’s entirely different in interpersonal interactions, where it can seem dismissive and rude.

After a long day at work, the last thing I want to hear is a lengthy, disorganized voice message.

Although voice messages may save the sender a few seconds, they can lead to delays for the recipient who may be unable to listen right away. This is precisely why short messages were invented.

How do you feel about voice messages?

Chapter 2: The Digital Age Dilemma

The first video discusses why recorded voice messages can sound unappealing, offering insights into the psychology behind our perception of our own voices.

The second video is a tutorial on how to send voice messages using an Apple Watch, showcasing the technology's features and functionalities.