“I’d rather leave text messages. It’s quicker than talking to someone on the phone,” the young woman told me. Text messages are appropriate in certain situations. They’re like the old family bulletin board, a way to offer fast updates on location and plans.

In addition, social media like Facebook allow a quick way to keep up with friends. They also can act as instant idea exchanges.

The problem with these communication tools is their misuse. Compare today’s social media explosion with the beginning of the television age. Television allowed in-home entertainment. Some said when TV first appeared that it might bring families closer together as they watched programs in the family living room. It brought educational material to young children. It created instant news and the twenty-four hour news cycle.

On the other hand, television when overused encourages obesity and the couch potato syndrome. Used as a baby sitter, it may bring unsuitable material to children and replace valuable interaction between the child and adults. Politics risks being ruled by the slick sound byte rather than the thoughtful weighing of opinions.

Social media becomes harmful if it completely replaces face-to-face interaction. It’s like watching the movie rather than reading the book. A movie can be powerful but seldom can it bring all the nuances, ideas, and character development of a book. I doubt that sharing one’s thoughts with a friend in the same physical space can be replicated, even with the marvels of Skype.