Chapter 7: Communication—Email, Texting, and Video Calls

Communication is one of the main reasons people use digital technology. Today, there are several ways to talk with others without being in the same room. This chapter explains the three most common methods in simple terms: email, texting, and video calls.

1. Email: The Digital Letter

Email is the modern version of a mailed letter.

Think of email as:

• A letter that arrives instantly

• A personal mailbox that never closes

• A way to send long messages and documents

Email is commonly used for:

• Communicating with doctors, banks, and businesses

• Receiving bills, newsletters, and confirmations

• Writing longer messages to friends or family

Email is slower and more formal than texting, but it is reliable and widely accepted. Many services require an email address to create an account.

2. Texting: The Digital Conversation

Texting (also called messaging) is like having a short written conversation on the phone.

Think of texting as:

• Passing notes instantly

• Talking in short sentences instead of long letters

Texting is commonly used for:

• Quick messages with family and friends

• Confirming plans

• Receiving alerts and reminders

Texts are short, informal, and fast. People often respond within minutes, but there is no obligation to reply immediately.

3. Video Calls: Face-to-Face Through a Screen

Video calls let you see and hear someone at the same time, even if they are far away.

Think of video calling as:

• A phone call with a window

• Visiting someone without traveling

Common video call services include FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet.

Video calls are used for:

• Talking with family and grandchildren

• Telehealth appointments with doctors

• Meetings and social gatherings

For many seniors, video calls are one of the most meaningful uses of technology because they create a feeling of presence and connection.

4. How Communication Has Changed Over Time

10–15 years ago:

• Most communication was phone calls and email

• Texting existed but was less common

• Video calls were rare and complicated

Today:

• Texting is the most common daily communication

• Email is essential for official and business communication

• Video calls are simple and widely used

Communication has become faster, more visual, and more informal.

5. Choosing What Works for You

You do not need to use every method.

Many seniors choose:

• Email for doctors, banks, and longer messages

• Texting for close family and quick notes

• Video calls for special conversations and appointments

Others prefer phone calls and use digital communication only when necessary.

There is no correct choice. The goal is comfort and connection.

6. Etiquette and Expectations

Digital communication can feel confusing because people respond at different speeds.

Helpful guidelines:

• Texts are usually quick and casual

• Emails may take hours or days for a response

• Video calls are often scheduled in advance

You are not required to respond instantly. Digital communication should fit your schedule, not control it.

7. Common Concerns

“I’m afraid I’ll send something wrong.”
Most apps let you review before sending. Mistakes are common and rarely serious.

“I don’t like typing.”
You can use voice typing, short messages, or video calls instead.

“It feels impersonal.”
Digital tools can supplement, not replace, phone calls and in-person visits.

8. A Simple Mental Model

• Email = writing a letter

• Texting = chatting quickly

• Video calls = visiting through a window

Each method has a purpose. You choose based on the situation and your comfort.

What’s Next

Chapter 8: Photos, Videos, and Memories—How Digital Media Works and How to Keep It Safe
We’ll explain how photos and videos are stored, shared, and protected so your memories are preserved.

Addendum to Chapter 7: Email, Texting, and Messages Are Not the Same

Many people think that if a message appears on a phone, it must all be the same thing.
This is understandable. Everything shows up on the same screen.
But email and texting are two different systems, and they behave differently.

Email and Texting Are Two Separate Roads

Think of communication like mail delivery.

Email is like postal mail.
Texting is like a phone conversation written down.

They use different systems behind the scenes.
They have different rules, expectations, and purposes.

What Email Is (In Simple Terms)

Email is designed for:

• Businesses

• Doctors and banks

• Longer messages

• Attachments like documents and photos

Email has:

• A formal address (like name@email.com)

• An inbox like a mailbox

• Messages that can be saved for many years

Email is closer to writing letters.

What Texting Is (In Simple Terms)

Texting is designed for:

• Quick conversations

• Short messages

• Family and friends

• Alerts and reminders

Texting is tied to your phone number, not an email address.
It is more like talking, but using words on a screen.

Texts are meant to be fast and casual.

Why They Feel the Same on a Phone

Your phone can show:

• Email

• Text messages

• Photos

• News

All on the same screen.

This makes it feel like everything is one system.
But behind the scenes, they are separate services that do not work the same way.

An email is not a text.
A text is not an email.

They travel on different networks and are used differently.

A Third Type: Social Media Messages (DMs)

There is a third kind of written communication: social media messaging.
These are called direct messages or DMs.

Examples include messages inside:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• WhatsApp

• LinkedIn

These messages stay inside that app only.
They are not texts and not email.

Think of them as private notes passed inside a club or community.

A Simple Way to Think About All Three

Email: like writing a letter and putting it in a mailbox.
Texting: like talking on the phone, but typing instead of speaking.
Social media messages: like passing notes inside a specific building.

They can all appear on your phone, but they are three different communication channels.

Why This Difference Matters

Some doctors, banks, and companies will only use email.
Family and friends often prefer texting.
Social media messages only reach people inside that app.

Knowing the difference helps you:

• Know where to look for important messages

• Avoid missing bills, appointments, or alerts

• Communicate in the way others expect

Key Idea to Remember

Your phone is a device. Email, texting, and social media messages are separate systems inside that device.

You do not need to master all three.
You only need to recognize which one you are using.