A big problem in today's society is the lack of intimate face-to-face relationships. By this I mean relationships that are not maintained most of the time behind the screen of a phone or tablet. Genuine conversations that don't happen over text tend to get awkward quickly and end even faster these days. It's a depressing truth. As texting has become more prevalent, interpersonal communication has broken down, leaving a broken and damaged social economy in need of repair. Texting, however, has its advantages. It's faster, more convenient and much easier to meet new people and create new friendships that can be maintained through electronic conversations. However, these benefits can never replace the warmth and comfort that a well-functioning face-to-face relationship provides. This age of texting has led to the downfall of real communication. The majority of people no longer really know the meaning of a “real” relationship. A long time ago, sitting and talking with another person for hours was normal. Now, however, it is a foreign and frightening thing. We seem to find it easier to hide behind our phones. The same things can be said in text that would be said in a voice conversation, but there is something missing. As many have understood, it is a question of substance. According to Dr. Grohol, transmitting words from one device to another device leaves no room for feelings, emotions, body language, and voice inflection (Maintaining Healthy Relationships in College). Body language is an important part of communication, but we can no longer use it as a valuable tool because we rarely speak face to face. In fact, as Patricia Harmon says in “Does Texting Affect Emotional Intelligence?” up to 93% of communications... middle of paper ......to be feared. Setting a goal to change this situation is only the first step, but it's a start. Many generations talk about the horror that our world has been consumed by electronics, but they never follow through on their words. Once our nation and others around the world understand what they are missing and the mistakes they may have made, the movement to revive legitimate interpersonal communication will begin in earnest. The recovery and recovery period, so to speak, will be long and tiring; but it will be worth it in the end when our need to be whole again – as a society – is satisfied. Works CitedHarmon, Patricia. "Does texting affect emotional intelligence?". Academic Search Elite. 2013. Web. March 4, 2014. Quinn-Szcesuil, Julia. “Maintaining Healthy Relationships in College.” Collegexpress Magazine, Academic Search Elite, 2013. Web. March 4. 2014.