Texting is a supremely secretive medium of communication - it's

The quiet hum of the café filled the space, with the soft clinking of coffee cups and the gentle tapping of rain on the window. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his fingers wrapped loosely around his coffee cup, staring out at the gray, rainy streets. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, appeared absorbed in her thoughts, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a brief pause, Jeeny spoke, her voice thoughtful but calm.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote today by Lynne Truss that made me think about communication in today’s world. She said, ‘Texting is a supremely secretive medium of communication - it’s like passing a note - and this means we should be very careful what we use it for.’ What do you think about that? Do you think texting, because of its secretive nature, encourages us to be more careful with how we communicate?”

Jack: He looked up at her, his fingers resting on his cup as he considered her words. “I think she’s onto something. Texting is so immediate and often feels private—like we’re sharing something with just one person in the moment. But the fact is, texting can be so much more permanent than we realize. What we say or write in a text, even if it feels like a casual message, can be shared, misinterpreted, or stored forever. In that way, it’s not as private or safe as it seems.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s like you’re passing a note, but you’re not always thinking about the bigger picture—what could happen after that note is read, or how the information could be shared beyond your intended audience. In a way, it’s easy to forget that texting is not always as secure as we think, and it doesn’t always capture the nuance of a conversation the way face-to-face communication does. It’s fast, but it can lead to misunderstandings if we’re not careful.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, leaving only the faintest hum in the background, but inside, their conversation seemed to grow deeper. Jack nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful as he reflected on Jeeny’s words.

Jack: “And there’s another layer to it—tone. In text, it’s easy for words to be read differently than intended. Without body language, facial expressions, or vocal tone, it’s harder to convey meaning clearly. Texting can make even a simple message feel like it’s carrying more weight than it should, and without context, we run the risk of miscommunication.”

Jeeny: “That’s the challenge with texting—it’s so fast and convenient that we don’t always give ourselves time to think about the message we’re sending or how it could be received. And once it’s out there, it can’t be taken back. So, maybe that’s why we need to be more intentional with how we use it, especially when it comes to sensitive topics or personal information. What might feel like a casual message could be read in a way that causes problems down the line.”

Host: The quiet between them seemed to deepen as they reflected on the complexities of modern communication. Jack set his cup down gently, his expression more reflective.

Jack: “I think what Truss is pointing out is that texting, for all its convenience, can often lead us into a false sense of security. It feels like a private conversation, but it’s really not. Once you hit send, it can go anywhere, and it’s out of your control. That’s why it’s important to think before we send something—especially something that could be misinterpreted or cause harm.”

Jeeny: Her smile was small but filled with reassurance. “Exactly. It’s about being mindful of the power of our words, even in a medium that feels more casual. What we text can have a lasting impact, so we need to be careful, not just with the content, but with the intention behind it.”

Host: The rain outside had eased, and the quiet of the café seemed to reflect the shared understanding between them. Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that while texting offers convenience and immediacy, it also comes with a responsibility. It's a medium that, despite its seeming secrecy, can easily amplify the impact of what we say. By being mindful of how we communicate, we can avoid misunderstandings and ensure our messages are thoughtful, clear, and appropriate.