Using a mobile phone can trigger several joint problems. [2] X Research source Use yours wisely.
If you have several contacts, use directories and lists. Separating your friends, your family and your colleagues is the best way to be fast and avoid mistakes.
There are many applications available online. Try to look for one with a predictive text system to gain time. Applications don’t always support all languages. If you don’t use English, check carefully that your language is included. Some applications use speech recognition to text. This can be useful if you have to text and drive.
Most modern phones and tablets have automatic spelling checkers and dictionaries. They are not always perfect but can still detect most mistakes. If you are unsure about the quality of your text, keep it short and simple. If your phone can access the internet, quickly check a grammatical rule online. Avoid abbreviations as much as you can. They might be useful to save words but will inevitably diminish the overall impact of your text.
Try to anticipate a question. If you are asked where to meet, give a precise location and the time of the rendezvous. Make sure that your interlocutor knows who you are. Not everybody has your phone number saved. If you text someone you barely know, identify yourself at the beginning of the message.
If you have any doubt, use emoticons only with family, friends and partner. You might want to avoid emoticons with your boss, colleagues or people you know less.
If you commute to work, make the most of it! Take this opportunity to answer your contacts. Use a coffee or a lunch break to follow-up. Don’t text on the toilet. Half of the 18-29 years old do so but it’s unhygienic and risky for your phone. [5] X Research source Avoid using your phone in the bed before sleeping. Research shows that using smartphones and tablets is detrimental for your sleep. [6] X Research source
Use a speech recognition text application if you drive a lot. It will keep you safe.
If a text conversation becomes heated, put the phone down and go for a walk. It’s sometimes better to let things cool down. A text can be used as evidence in a courtroom.
