We can text or email, but a phone call remains by far the preferred form of communication for Americans, especially when a special moment or event is the motivation, according to results of a new survey conducted for Vonage by ORC International.
Fifty-six percent of U.S. adults said they prefer a phone call when asked what type of communication they use most. Texting, chosen by 25 percent, was a distant second.
Moreover, a phone call was the most preferred form of communication for 71 percent when relaying a special moment or important news – if meeting in person wasn’t an option, that is, according to a Vonage news release. And despite the fact that Millennials (18-34 year-olds) text more than they call, 67 percent “stop texting and start calling when it comes to sharing special moments,” Vonage highlights.
“There’s nothing like hearing a loved one’s voice when you can’t be together, and this research shows that the majority of people feel the same way,” commented Barbara Goodstein, Vonage chief marketing officer. “When you have something important to share, you don’t want the significance of your news to fall flat with a text or an email. With a phone call, friends and family are able to hear the excitement in your voice and share in the emotion of the moment.”
Communications Preference Survey Responses
Other key survey takeaways include:
- Men said they call their spouse or significant other the most (35%). Women, however, call their children the most (25%).
- 55 percent of adults said they are most likely to make a phone call just to stay in touch without any specific reason.
- 51 percent of adults have been disappointed to receive a text or an email to learn about a special moment or important news.
- 64 percent of all adults and 87 percent of Millennials said they have misinterpreted a text.
“This research reinforces that texts are often misinterpreted and the true sentiment of the message can be lost,” Ms. Goodstein elaborated. “It’s important to stay connected through live conversation over the phone, especially when relaying important or exciting news. Not only will the true meaning and emotion of your news come across, but you’ll experience a closer connection.”
