Is it Better to Call or Text? You’d Be Surprised by the Answer

Chances are, there are plenty of you out there reading this who would much rather get in touch with friends, family, and even colleagues by texting rather than calling. After all, pressing a few buttons just seems more convenient – and you don’t have to worry about stumbling over your words, and you can think about what you want to say!

However, there are actually plenty of reasons why it might be better for you to call rather than text. This is especially the case if you’re trying to reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to for a long time, for example if they’re based overseas!

There’s no right or wrong way to keep in touch with the people who are important to you. However, in this guide, we’ll take a look at why it might be better to talk rather than text.

Calls help you bond with people

This point might either seem totally obvious or completely and utterly cheesy, but either way, it’s actually backed by science.

Several different studies suggest that your brain is more likely to release oxytocin, a bonding hormone, when you speak to someone over the phone, rather than text them. What’s more, you’re actually more likely to form stronger connections with people when you speak to them verbally.

That makes logical sense – after all, you don’t get a feel for someone’s voice, intent, or tone when you’re reading a text. Texting might be convenient, but it lacks warmth.

Calls help you understand others better

Hands up – how many times have you overthought about what a text message could mean? How many times have you agonised over the tonality and intent behind someone’s words on a screen?

When you speak to someone over the phone, you don’t usually have many of these questions. It’s easier for you to read into someone’s mood and how they want to put certain things across.

That can lead to better communication in general, and could even stop an argument or two from breaking out!

Even if you don’t feel like picking up the phone, if you have some important details to thrash out or you need to get something off your chest, it’s quicker and healthier to do it verbally than in written form.

Calls help you to be empathetic

When you understand the person you’re speaking to, it’s much easier to be empathetic and to show them support. It’s easy to miss some important details via text, simply because flat words on a page don’t always sell the gravity of a situation, or tell you what the other person needs.

When you speak to someone, their tonality, use of language, and the speed at which they speak can help you to decide how you’d like to respond, and how empathetic you might need to be. It’s easier for you to find inroads through which you can give verbal support and advice.

What’s more, it’s much easier for you to understand what other people mean to say, and for you to get a real insight into what they’re going through.

Calls can help you release stress

There’s nothing quite like getting on the phone to a loved one to really let off steam. It’s especially the case if you haven’t seen or spoken to someone for a long time, for example, if they’re based abroad!

For many people, the sound of another person speaking can really help to lower stress and hormones that build anxiety. It’s within our nature to be sociable, after all, and texting can sometimes make those crucial connections a little hollow.

If you’re in need of some proper stress relief and need to vent, pick up the phone and call someone instead. Texting will only help so much, and think about who you’re sending it to. Do you really want them to read through walls of text when they could help you better with a genuine, spoken conversation?

Your tastes may vary, of course – but verbal communication is a true stress reliever, no matter what it is you’re talking about.

Stay connected to the people you love

Many people put off making voice calls because they might feel awkward, or they might simply be worried about the cost of making calls. For instance, what if they have family and friends living in a different country – and are scared of running up massive bills based on some stingy tariffs?

There should be no barriers between you and the people you care about. In this day and age, it’s never been easier to communicate with others all around the world – and not just via instant messages or email.

International calling doesn’t have to cost you the Earth, and it really shouldn’t hold you back from picking up the phone. With Wowtel, you can make free calls to hundreds of different countries all over the world – provided your phone plan covers you for 0845 and 0870 numbers.

Even if you’re not covered for those numbers, you can still use Wowtel to pay less for these calls than you’d usually expect!

Why not treat yourself to a catch up with a friend you’ve not heard from for a long time?

Texts aren’t all bad!

Let’s close this guide by saying that, yes, while calling people has massive health and communication benefits, there are always going to be occasions where texting is preferential.

For example, texting someone instead of calling will be more convenient if you need to get important details across in a flash. What’s more, texting is seen as much less intrusive than calling, especially when your recipient is usually quite busy!

Ultimately, calling and texting is a personal choice, and one that you’ll usually have to decide between with whoever it may be that you’re talking to.

That said, if there are thousands of miles between you and the people you love – wouldn’t it be better to catch up over the phone?

Don’t let expensive international call rates hold you back from that chat. Check out Wowtel’s international dial-around service and reach out to long lost friends.