People in the 21st century cannot survive without technology. A handwritten letter sent in the mail paved the way for telephones, cellular phones, and even e-mail on the computer. From a mere pencil and paper came a typewriter, which evolved into cordless personal computers that can fit on your lap.

Back in the 1980s, home computers were just being introduced. Today, statistics show that about 80 percent of American households have at least two computers. Eight out of 10 American teenagers own cell phones. Many people don't even use mail very much anymore. The only things they send through the mail are bills.

There is little face-to-face interaction with people because text messaging and calling others is much easier than going to see them. Instead of paying attention in school or taking notes during a class, students are texting each another, making plans for the weekend.

Instead of holding an actual conversation, it is just easier to type "LOL IDK." Even in recent cell phone plan advertisements, companies are promoting texting, having family members talk in texting code in the house. Is it entertaining? Yes, but what people don't realize is that the advertisement makes kids think that if they do not own a cell phone and are not on it every five minutes texting someone they should be doing it. Is it really smarter to press all kinds of buttons and wait for an answer compared to only pressing about 10 buttons and getting the answer right away?

Face-to-face communication also is being replaced by commenting and messaging on MySpace and Facebook, which are among the best-known social Web sites.

Texting, commenting, and messaging also ruin friendships because there often is no emotion attached to written words; they are interpreted by the reader and, in some cases, are taken the wrong way. A sarcastic remark could be taken seriously, and a true statement can be taken as a joke. Miscommunication and misinterpretation are inevitable with so little face-to-face interaction.

A famous author once said, "Words are powerful things. When you say words, mean them. Words are very important." I agree with this statement. Words have an even bigger effect when they are said aloud with emotion. Seeing someone while you are communicating to them makes all the difference.