If you want an easy way to earn money from your online content, AdSense makes sense. Google AdSense shows the right ads on your website, videos, or even web-based games and you make money.
WHAT IS GOOGLE ADSENSE
AdSense is an ad serving application run by Google. Website owners can join this program to enable text, image and video advertisements on their websites. These advertisements are administered by Google and generate revenue on either a per-click or per-impression basis. Google AdSense provides a way for website owners to make money from their online content. You can join a community of publishers who turn hobbies into full time jobs and grown existing businesses. As you get started on your journey, look out for some key information to keep mind along the way. AdSense works by matching text and image ads to your site based on your content and visitors. The ads are created and paid for by advertisers who want to promote their products. Since these advertisers pay different prices for different ads, the amount you’ll earn will vary. You can get colors, fonts, and sizes for your text ads to best match your website. Everyone uses AdSense in a different way, so try at various combinations until you find what’s best for your website. Spending time on improving your site can ensure you get the most out of AdSense.
HOW YOU EARN FROM GOOGLE ADSENSE
If you’re new to website building and don’t really get it and are thinking, “Google will pay just pay me for placing ads on my site?” Well yeah, that’s pretty much the concept; it sounds really easy on the surface, but there is some work involved. The key is building your website and then more importantly getting targeted traffic to that website. It’s not good enough to just put up a website and submit it to Google to throw some ads on and expect to be making $2000-3000 a month; it just doesn't happen like that. The key is to find a topic that you’re interested in. Let’s say you love to play basketball; you could build a 50, 75, 150 page site on basketball and help people improve their ball game, give recommendations on the type of shoes or basketball to buy. Whatever the topic is, it should be something that you love and that’s important because if you love it, you won’t mind building more and more content for your site. The more content you have, the more likely the search engines will give you more traffic and you’ll make more money with Google AdSense in the long run.
For example, let’s say you have this 75 page website on basketball and someone goes to Google and type in, “how do I improve my free throw shot,” well because your site has a lot of content and is well written, Google will rank you as a top search result. Let’s say on the right side of your article you have some AdSense ads related to basketball provided by Google and when someone comes to your site and reads your article on how to improve your free throw shot, they may glance over and click it, you can earn anywhere from $0.10—$3.00, just for that one click. Just imagine if hundreds of people come to your site every day and click on those ads, the money starts to add up. Basically what you’re doing is helping Google advertise and they’re paying you a commission for bringing traffic to their advertiser’s site.
The good news is that Google AdSense is the easiest way for bloggers and website owners to start making money with their sites. It really is easy once you have your site and have traffic. After installing the ad code onto your website, AdSense spiders will crawl onto your website to see what your pages are all about and then they check their inventory of ads that puts related ads next to your article.
You can even sign up to AdSense emails so you don’t miss out on the latest news, tips, and advice. You can also visit the newbie section of their help section to find detailed instructions on getting started. Log into your account today, create your first ad and see what Google AdSense can do for you.
This blog is for those who want to know about different topics at one place.
Infolinks
Saturday, April 5, 2014
10 Ways to Make Money from Home
Need some extra cash? There are dozens of legitimate work-from-home opportunities available, and many let you get started without paying a cent. Here are just a few easy ways you can make money from the comfort of home.
1. Sell your own arts and crafts projects
Thousands are putting their creative skills to use and selling their artwork or craft projects online. You can join communities such asetsy.com to set up a storefront and start selling your latest works today.
Thousands are putting their creative skills to use and selling their artwork or craft projects online. You can join communities such asetsy.com to set up a storefront and start selling your latest works today.
2. Set up a home-based bakery
If you enjoy baking and want to bake for special occasions, parties and local events, all you need is a food sales license to get started. (Check with your state's department of agriculture to learn more.) You can sell baked goods from home and work with local restaurants or catering companies to start building your client base.
If you enjoy baking and want to bake for special occasions, parties and local events, all you need is a food sales license to get started. (Check with your state's department of agriculture to learn more.) You can sell baked goods from home and work with local restaurants or catering companies to start building your client base.
3. Sell beauty products
If you're a fan of Avon or Mary Kay products, consider becoming an independent rep for these beauty lines and make a commission on every sale. As an independent consultant, you also have the chance to host parties and social events to drum up sales.
If you're a fan of Avon or Mary Kay products, consider becoming an independent rep for these beauty lines and make a commission on every sale. As an independent consultant, you also have the chance to host parties and social events to drum up sales.
4. Set up an eBay business
Do you have access to wholesale merchandise? Consider setting up an eBay store to sell your products to a wide audience. You can create an online store and start selling within minutes; you only need some basic digital photography and Web skills to make a professional storefront.
Do you have access to wholesale merchandise? Consider setting up an eBay store to sell your products to a wide audience. You can create an online store and start selling within minutes; you only need some basic digital photography and Web skills to make a professional storefront.
5. Make money writing articles online
You can write articles and get paid upfront from content publishers such as Associated Contentand Demand Studios. These sites are looking for articles on hundreds of topics including gardening, crafts, travel, shopping, business and more. Writing articles is an easy way to get paid for what you know.
You can write articles and get paid upfront from content publishers such as Associated Contentand Demand Studios. These sites are looking for articles on hundreds of topics including gardening, crafts, travel, shopping, business and more. Writing articles is an easy way to get paid for what you know.
6. Become a tutor
Home-based tutoring services are looking for online tutors who have degrees or certificates in various subjects. If you have strong online communication skills and meet eligibility requirements, you can be a tutor for a K-12 student or college student who needs your help.
Home-based tutoring services are looking for online tutors who have degrees or certificates in various subjects. If you have strong online communication skills and meet eligibility requirements, you can be a tutor for a K-12 student or college student who needs your help.
7. Maintain a blog
Bloggers can make a steady income writing about virtually any topic of interest and earn money through advertising. Making money with a blog can take time, so you need to be dedicated to get any return on your investment. Still, the effort can be worth it, especially if you have specialized knowledge about a particular topic.
Bloggers can make a steady income writing about virtually any topic of interest and earn money through advertising. Making money with a blog can take time, so you need to be dedicated to get any return on your investment. Still, the effort can be worth it, especially if you have specialized knowledge about a particular topic.
8. Sell gift baskets online
You can own and operate your own gift basket business without having to buy inventory with Web sites such as egiftbaskets.com. Gift baskets are delivered through a drop-shipping company, and you make a commission on each sale.
You can own and operate your own gift basket business without having to buy inventory with Web sites such as egiftbaskets.com. Gift baskets are delivered through a drop-shipping company, and you make a commission on each sale.
9. Become a virtual assistant
If you've ever been an administrative assistant in the offline world, transfer your skills online and do common tasks for clients. Web sites such as virtualassistant.org can help you get started.
If you've ever been an administrative assistant in the offline world, transfer your skills online and do common tasks for clients. Web sites such as virtualassistant.org can help you get started.
10. Offer personal assistant services
Do you know some busy business owners in the local area? Consider offering personal assistant services to take care of everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, picking up office supplies and running other errands. You can get paid per job, or by the hour.
Do you know some busy business owners in the local area? Consider offering personal assistant services to take care of everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, picking up office supplies and running other errands. You can get paid per job, or by the hour.
When you get past the scams and track down the legitimate work-from-home opportunities, you can start making an income on your own schedule.
Phrases Women Say That Men Love To Hear
We’ve talked about the things women love and hate to hear from their guys, but what about phrases women say that men love to hear? Men think we’re complicated, but they can be just as so. What do they want, what do they like? For many of our men it’s not all about sports and beer, and that’s why I’m here to help with these phrases women say that men love, so the next time you are trying to cheer up your guy you’ll know just what he’ll want to hear!
1. Compliment His Looks
One of the best phrases women say that men love to hear is, “You look good,” or something along those lines that compliments his looks. Whether you tell him his hair looks good, his arms look buff, or that his looks overall are great, he will just eat those words right up and melt like butter! Every time you think about asking him how you look when you’re going out, remember to compliment him on his looks as well.
One of the best phrases women say that men love to hear is, “You look good,” or something along those lines that compliments his looks. Whether you tell him his hair looks good, his arms look buff, or that his looks overall are great, he will just eat those words right up and melt like butter! Every time you think about asking him how you look when you’re going out, remember to compliment him on his looks as well.
2. How Strong And Masculine He Is
Since we’re already telling him how buff he looks, go a little further and say how strong he is as well. All guys, built or not, like to hear that they’re strong and can do something for their partner because they are stronger. Boost your guy’s confidence by asking him to open something for you or carry a heavy box to show him that you can’t do it because you’re just not as strong as he is.
Since we’re already telling him how buff he looks, go a little further and say how strong he is as well. All guys, built or not, like to hear that they’re strong and can do something for their partner because they are stronger. Boost your guy’s confidence by asking him to open something for you or carry a heavy box to show him that you can’t do it because you’re just not as strong as he is.
3. You Need Him
Men are no different than us, they like to feel wanted and needed too. When the setting is just right and you two are having a romantic evening together, tell your guy how much you need him and can’t live without him. It’s all about timing, ladies. You don’t want to tell him this if you haven’t reached that connection yet, and you certainly don’t want to say this if you are having a fight and might go your separate ways.
Men are no different than us, they like to feel wanted and needed too. When the setting is just right and you two are having a romantic evening together, tell your guy how much you need him and can’t live without him. It’s all about timing, ladies. You don’t want to tell him this if you haven’t reached that connection yet, and you certainly don’t want to say this if you are having a fight and might go your separate ways.
4. Turn Him on
Don’t put him in the position of being the one who always tries to get things hot between the two of you. Make the first move tonight and say things that move the conversation into the bedroom. Tell him that it’s his night to be taken care of and start off with a nice back massage to get things started.
Don’t put him in the position of being the one who always tries to get things hot between the two of you. Make the first move tonight and say things that move the conversation into the bedroom. Tell him that it’s his night to be taken care of and start off with a nice back massage to get things started.
5. He Makes You Proud
Whether he is an amazing dad, works hard at his job, or he’s just an all around amazing guy, tell him how proud he makes you. Guys don’t always get the credit they deserve; everyone always makes a big deal about working moms, but what about working dads? Make this weekend all about him and show him what a great job he is doing with cards from the kids or a surprise favorite meal and dessert!
Whether he is an amazing dad, works hard at his job, or he’s just an all around amazing guy, tell him how proud he makes you. Guys don’t always get the credit they deserve; everyone always makes a big deal about working moms, but what about working dads? Make this weekend all about him and show him what a great job he is doing with cards from the kids or a surprise favorite meal and dessert!
6. Give Him The Night off
We’re always making plans to do things; someone is having a birthday, it’s time for yet another holiday get together, or you need to go shopping for so and so. Well, tonight give your guy the night off, heck give him the weekend off! He works all week and doesn’t ever get to just stay home on the weekend because there is always something that needs to be done. Telling your guy, “Honey, let’s stay in this weekend,” will probably be one of the best phrases he has heard in a long time!
We’re always making plans to do things; someone is having a birthday, it’s time for yet another holiday get together, or you need to go shopping for so and so. Well, tonight give your guy the night off, heck give him the weekend off! He works all week and doesn’t ever get to just stay home on the weekend because there is always something that needs to be done. Telling your guy, “Honey, let’s stay in this weekend,” will probably be one of the best phrases he has heard in a long time!
7. I Love You
Sometimes when we’re so comfortable in our relationships we don’t say “I love you”, as much as we should. These three words have so much meaning behind them, but we tend to just go about our day without saying them. So the next time you’re at work thinking of your guy, just send him a little text to show him how much you love him.
Sometimes when we’re so comfortable in our relationships we don’t say “I love you”, as much as we should. These three words have so much meaning behind them, but we tend to just go about our day without saying them. So the next time you’re at work thinking of your guy, just send him a little text to show him how much you love him.
What do you think of my list of phrases women say that men love to hear? Are there any phrases you think are missing? What does your guy love to hear you say.
Things You Didn't Know About Flirting
If your flirting skills are lacking, it's time to step it up. Now. This is, of course, if you're looking to procure a mate. And you are, aren't you? Isn't everyone? Well, the thing about flirting, in that whole finding aboyfriend or girlfriend department, is that it works.
Studies show that not only does flirting help in the dating department, but flirting and being able to do it well, are far more effective than your excessive good looks. After conducting research regarding flirting techniques in places where people go looking for love, psychologist Dr. Monica Moore found that "it's not the most physically appealing people who get approached, but the ones who signal their availability and confidence through basic flirting techniques like eye contact and smiles." Easy peasy, right?
Here are some other interesting facts about flirting that you probably didn't know, but probably should.
1. There are five types of flirting.
You may have thought that a subtle arm touch or a wink might be the extent of flirting, but you're wrong. According to the University of Kansas there are actually five types of flirting: traditional, physical, sincere, playful and polite. While 25 percent of flirting falls into the playful category, 30 percent is intended to sincerely lure a mate into our web of desire.
You may have thought that a subtle arm touch or a wink might be the extent of flirting, but you're wrong. According to the University of Kansas there are actually five types of flirting: traditional, physical, sincere, playful and polite. While 25 percent of flirting falls into the playful category, 30 percent is intended to sincerely lure a mate into our web of desire.
2. Eye contact can make you more attractive.
Once you get that whole smiling thing down, go in for some eye contact. Not only is it a major signal that you’re interested, but eye contact can go as far as making someone even more attracted to you than they would have been. Studies have found that a "mutual unbroken gaze for two minutes with a stranger" leads to "increased feelings of passionate love."
Once you get that whole smiling thing down, go in for some eye contact. Not only is it a major signal that you’re interested, but eye contact can go as far as making someone even more attracted to you than they would have been. Studies have found that a "mutual unbroken gaze for two minutes with a stranger" leads to "increased feelings of passionate love."
3. Touching is a definite must.
While men need to play it cool when it comes to this one (do you really want to get smacked, fellas?), if women lay it on thick, aka, "going nuclear," it will really reel in the dates. There are three levels of touching: friendly (ie. shoulder push or tap), plausible deniability (ie. touching around the shoulder or waist, or on the forearm), and, as we mentioned, nuclear, which is the face touch. When you can, without being creepy, go nuclear. Is everyone taking notes?
While men need to play it cool when it comes to this one (do you really want to get smacked, fellas?), if women lay it on thick, aka, "going nuclear," it will really reel in the dates. There are three levels of touching: friendly (ie. shoulder push or tap), plausible deniability (ie. touching around the shoulder or waist, or on the forearm), and, as we mentioned, nuclear, which is the face touch. When you can, without being creepy, go nuclear. Is everyone taking notes?
4. Playing 'hard to get' really does work.
Yep, it's true, and the studies can back it up. Making yourself appear to be a "scarce resource worth having" while maintaining your interest is the ticket. People want what they can't have.
Yep, it's true, and the studies can back it up. Making yourself appear to be a "scarce resource worth having" while maintaining your interest is the ticket. People want what they can't have.
5. For men, age isn't a factor.
When it comes to a playful night out with the ladies and flirting just for fun, 83 percent of guys say they don't care how old (or young) you might be. When it comes to a good time, age doesn't weigh too heavily for dudes.
When it comes to a playful night out with the ladies and flirting just for fun, 83 percent of guys say they don't care how old (or young) you might be. When it comes to a good time, age doesn't weigh too heavily for dudes.
6. How you talk is a huge indicator.
As we already learned, men don't do so great when it comes to turning on the sexy voice, but women have all the advantages in that category. Along with being able to successfully manipulate our voices, if we're interested we tend to talk "smoothly and quickly." If we're meh on the situation, our speech ends up being "hesitantly and awkwardly" pushed out of our mouths. Yikes.
As we already learned, men don't do so great when it comes to turning on the sexy voice, but women have all the advantages in that category. Along with being able to successfully manipulate our voices, if we're interested we tend to talk "smoothly and quickly." If we're meh on the situation, our speech ends up being "hesitantly and awkwardly" pushed out of our mouths. Yikes.
7. So is how you hold your head …
Ladies, scientists at the University of Newcastle in Australia have found that you're "most alluring" when you angle your head forward, so you're forced to look ever-so slightly upward. This creates a more feminine look, and we know how guys dig that. Men, in order to look more masculine and, therefore, more attractive to women, you're going to tilt your head back and look a bit down your nose. Don't go overboard and cross your eyes, but, well, you'll feel what's right for you.
Ladies, scientists at the University of Newcastle in Australia have found that you're "most alluring" when you angle your head forward, so you're forced to look ever-so slightly upward. This creates a more feminine look, and we know how guys dig that. Men, in order to look more masculine and, therefore, more attractive to women, you're going to tilt your head back and look a bit down your nose. Don't go overboard and cross your eyes, but, well, you'll feel what's right for you.
8. The power of red is a real thing.
Whether you choose red lips or a red dress, the color red, also the color of power and confidence, will bring all eyes to you. The "red dress effect" not only helps in attention-getting, but also makes women appear "more open to sexual advances" — this may or may not be what you want, but it is something to consider before going out on the prowl.
Whether you choose red lips or a red dress, the color red, also the color of power and confidence, will bring all eyes to you. The "red dress effect" not only helps in attention-getting, but also makes women appear "more open to sexual advances" — this may or may not be what you want, but it is something to consider before going out on the prowl.
9. Being direct scores high on the success scale.
While women prefer boring opening lines that lack pizazz, men want women who are direct. There is nothing sexier than knowing what you want, of course. However, both men and women agree that "cute/flippant" pickup lines are just awful.
While women prefer boring opening lines that lack pizazz, men want women who are direct. There is nothing sexier than knowing what you want, of course. However, both men and women agree that "cute/flippant" pickup lines are just awful.
10. It's good for you!
Weird, right? But those who get their flirt on and do so regularly are walking around with higher white blood-cell counts, which means they're really, really healthy.
Weird, right? But those who get their flirt on and do so regularly are walking around with higher white blood-cell counts, which means they're really, really healthy.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Health Benefits Of Dates
Dates are ideal fruits that has many benefits and very valuable for our body. It boost the energy and also it removes the wastage from our body. Even people suffering from diabetes can have 1-2 dates daily and believe us it will not increase the sugar level.
Here we list the some health benefits of Dates.
1. For Healthy Heart
Dates contains Potassium, as it helps to stabilize the functioning of heart muscles and it also controls the blood pressure. Dates is a good medicine for alcohol addicts, it reduces the desire of taking alcohol.
2. Constipation
Those who are suffering from constipation then Dates is the Amazing medicine to get rid from it, Dates contains fiber and proteins as it helps to solve the constipation problems.
3. Night Blindness
Dates are rich sources of vitamin A, as it helps to improve the vision and fight against night blindness. It also contains antioxidants. So its good idea to take vitamin A from Dates.
4. For Pregnant Women
Dates are rich sources of Folic acid as it is very important for pregnant women. So its important for pregnant women to take dates regularly. Dates contain rich source of Iron, if we ate 100 grams of dates then we will get 7.3 mg iron. It increase the hemoglobin. Dates also contains calcium, manganese and phosphorous.
5. Knee Pain
Now a days many people are suffering from Knee Pains this is because lacking of calcium in our body. Dates are rich sources of calcium so it makes the bones stronger and helps to get relief from Knee Pains.
6. Digestion
Dates contain fiber, so it improves the digestive system of our body. It acts as a tonic for digestive system.
7. Tooth Decay
Many people suffering from dental caries, Dates helps those people to relief from that because it contains lot of fluorine and minerals.
Here we list the some health benefits of Dates.
1. For Healthy Heart
Dates contains Potassium, as it helps to stabilize the functioning of heart muscles and it also controls the blood pressure. Dates is a good medicine for alcohol addicts, it reduces the desire of taking alcohol.
2. Constipation
Those who are suffering from constipation then Dates is the Amazing medicine to get rid from it, Dates contains fiber and proteins as it helps to solve the constipation problems.
3. Night Blindness
Dates are rich sources of vitamin A, as it helps to improve the vision and fight against night blindness. It also contains antioxidants. So its good idea to take vitamin A from Dates.
4. For Pregnant Women
Dates are rich sources of Folic acid as it is very important for pregnant women. So its important for pregnant women to take dates regularly. Dates contain rich source of Iron, if we ate 100 grams of dates then we will get 7.3 mg iron. It increase the hemoglobin. Dates also contains calcium, manganese and phosphorous.
5. Knee Pain
Now a days many people are suffering from Knee Pains this is because lacking of calcium in our body. Dates are rich sources of calcium so it makes the bones stronger and helps to get relief from Knee Pains.
6. Digestion
Dates contain fiber, so it improves the digestive system of our body. It acts as a tonic for digestive system.
7. Tooth Decay
Many people suffering from dental caries, Dates helps those people to relief from that because it contains lot of fluorine and minerals.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
7 Appealing Traits Guys LOVE In A Girlfriend
1. ALWAYS HONEST
No one wants to know that they’re dating a good liar. One of the traits guys want in a girlfriend is honesty, so that they know she is never deceiving them. Who wants to wonder what their significant other is thinking all of the time? Men like things to be told to them bluntly so that they don’t have to question what a girl means by her words or actions. Being honest will lead to being trusted, which is a crucial part of any successful relationship.
2. FUN AND FRIENDLY
Everyone’s definition of fun is different. Some people enjoy crazy nights out, and others are happiest when sitting at home playing video games. Having a similar sense of what fun is and doing those activities together can strengthen a relationship. Your partner is meant to make you happy. You need to be with someone who can make you smile, relax, and have the time of your life.
3. LOYAL LADY
Being cheated on is never fun. Men don’t want to watch their girlfriends flirt with other guys and wonder whether she’ll remain faithful. If he’s constantly wondering if you’re going to hook up with your hot coworker, the relationship will fall apart. Men get just as jealous as women do. He has to be assured that you would never hurt him, or he will find someone else that is more trustworthy.
4. LOVING OUT LOUD
Men enjoy affection more than you think. You don’t have to constantly tell him how much you love him or shower him with kisses. Just remember to show him how much you care about him and appreciate him. He’ll want to know that you haven’t lost your love for him through the years. You don’t want him to worry about where he stands with you. Just tell him!
5. NOT NEEDY
A guy wants a girl who is independent. Constantly calling him and needing to see him could push him away. You need to have your own life, not just one that centers around him. Don’t lose your friends and your hobbies when a man enters your life. Balance everything so that you don’t lose any part of yourself.
6. PASSIONATE PRINCESS
It’s no surprise that men enjoy activity in the bedroom. When you kiss, do it with passion. It’ll show him how attracted you are to him and that you can’t get enough of him. Of course, passion can refer to more than just intercourse. Men love when you’re passionate about music or writing or helping others. It gives you depth and shows that you have a strong personality.
7. SPONTANEOUS ADVENTURES
Even if you both love sitting around watching television, you can’t do the same thing day in and day out. Every once in a while, you need a little adventure. You don’t have to go skydiving or bungee jumping. It can be something as simple as going to a new restaurant to try foreign food you’ve never tasted. You just need to be open to trying new things, so that life doesn’t get boring.
Does Texting Have a Healthy Role in Relationships?
Texting can be surprisingly helpful or toxic in romantic relationships.
In the good-old days, dating was defined by a series of face-to-face encounters. People met, they spent time in each other’s company, they got to know each others’ friends and family, and they evaluated the quality of their connection and their overall compatibility in person. Sure, they talked on the phone or maybe sent the occasional letter, but the core of their relationship centered on face-to-face interactions.
A subtle shift seems to be occurring in today’s dating relationships and it warrants our attention. The technology that once supplemented relationship development is now, it seems, taking on a larger role in the relationship formation and maintenance process. What is this role? How healthy is a reliance on technology for the creation and sustainment ofromantic relationships?
In the good-old days, dating was defined by a series of face-to-face encounters. People met, they spent time in each other’s company, they got to know each others’ friends and family, and they evaluated the quality of their connection and their overall compatibility in person. Sure, they talked on the phone or maybe sent the occasional letter, but the core of their relationship centered on face-to-face interactions.
A subtle shift seems to be occurring in today’s dating relationships and it warrants our attention. The technology that once supplemented relationship development is now, it seems, taking on a larger role in the relationship formation and maintenance process. What is this role? How healthy is a reliance on technology for the creation and sustainment ofromantic relationships?
The Rise of Texting
For many people, texting is a major source of relationship communication. Individuals 17-25 years of age tend to text message their romantic interests more than older individuals do (Coyne, Stockdale, Busby, Iverson, & Grant, 2011). In one sample, over 90% reported texting to connect with their partners at least once a day (Schade, Sandberg, Bean, Busby, & Coyne, 2013). These habits may form early:teenagers (ages 13-18) report an impressively high rate of text-based communications with their boyfriends and girlfriends, with roughly 20% of dating teens texting their dating partner at least 30 times per hour in the after-school hours, the early evening, and/or the late evening (10-midnight; Teenage Research Unlimited, 2007). For Millennials, who comprise the now- and next-generation of men and women navigating the dating game, texting is a socially-acceptable way to flirt, check-in, ask questions, gossip, make plans, or otherwise connect with potential or current romantic partners.
In addition to younger people, people in newer relationships (less than one year) also tend use technology like texting with greater frequency than people in more established relationships (Coyne et al., 2011). Is texting simply supplementing regular face-to-face conversations? Or, is texting strategic, having its own advantages and consequences? Understanding why people use texting is a first step to considering its role in healthy relationship development.
The Texting Advantage
Texting removes some of the barriers that make face-to-face conversations, or even phone calls, tricky to navigate. Applying Walther’s (1996) hyperpersonal model to text messaging reveals three key advantages. First, texting does not require spontaneous wit; texters have some time to think and carefully craft clever messages. Second, text messages are void of nonverbal signals, allowing texters to communicate the message they wish to send without concern that unintended nonverbal signals (e.g., sweaty hands; shaky voice) are polluting their message. Finally, text messaging is easy, but in-person conversations can be complex. Some people find it complicated to manage the simultaneous demands of an in-person conversation (e.g., saying hello while deciding whether to hug, kiss or just shake someone’s hand, smiling, maintaining good eye contact, and not spilling one’s drink), preferring instead to text. Texting helps those who are nervous or those who have fewer interpersonal skills avoid potentially socially-awkward encounters. Flirting can be tremendously awkward, why not text to make it a bit easier?
Texting not only helps the nervous and socially-awkward, it can also help the status-uncertain. Testing the waters (“does she like me? Is he interested?”) is much easier through an electronic medium; its casual approach helps protect individuals from rejection. Texting can be a safe way to figure out if someone is interested.
In fact, texting usually begins very early in relationships. Fox and Warber (2013) mapped out the typical sequence for today’s dating relationships. First, two people meet in person and then they check out each other’s Facebook profiles and become Facebook friends. Next, one requests the other’s phone number and they begin texting. Texting continues and at some point one invites the other to a social events in a group setting; at this point they might engage in Facebook messaging as well. Eventually, a phone call and/or in person date will be arranged (Fox & Warber, 2013). Texting is used early and often in dating relationships, and while it might be easier, it does have its downsides.
Frustrations with Texting
Once texting begins, it might not stop. The more texts people receive, the more they feel obligated to text back, creating a cycle of mobile relationship maintenance (Hall & Baym, 2012). This can be a healthy pattern if it creates a balanced sense of connection and dependence, but if instead individuals begin to feel an overdependence, such that the texting is preventing them from other activities (e.g., seeing each other in person; attending to other relationships; completing responsibilities), the outcome is dissatisfaction (Hall & Baym, 2012).
Further, texting is often fraught with confusion. Without non-verbal signals, messages can be misinterpreted or misconstrued leading to uncertainty. (“He just texted, “Hi.” What does that mean?”) Further, because the communication is not face-to-face, it adds a psychological distance that allows for words to be said that might be hard to say in person. Maybe this is why texting is often used by people in newer relationships to broach difficult topics, to intentionally hurt their partners, or to apologize (Coyne et al., 2011). The distance that texting offers may make it easier to say what one may not wish to say in person.
In fact, about a fifth of people (according to one sample; Weisskirch & Delevi, 2012), have received the dreaded break-up text. This is despite the fact that people think this is an unacceptable and inappropriate way to break-up with people. People who receive these texts more and send these texts more tend to have greater attachment anxiety, meaning they tend to have a deep-seated fear of rejection and abandonment, and a low sense of self-worth (Weisskirch & Delevi, 2012). While technology makes it easier to avoid having difficult face-to-face conversations, those conversations are often worth having in person, despite the discomfort they can bring. If nothing else, they are growth opportunities and adhere better to the social expectations for how a break-up should occur.
Texting and Relationship Well-being
In the end, is it healthy to text? Certain patterns suggest that relationship satisfaction and stability are linked to texting. In heterosexual relationships, women who text more frequently tend to feel happier in their relationships and their partners do as well (Schade et al., 2013). Interestingly, the more men text, the less happy they tend to be, the less happy their romantic partners tend to be, and the more their partners tend to have considered breaking-up with them (Schade et al., 2013). These relations are a bit complex, as men who text to express affection tend to have partners who feel more attached to them. For both men and women, the more they use texting to hurt the other (e.g., making themjealousy; expressing anger) the less attached their romantic partner.
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