I’ve always found it interesting how some people prefer texting while others would rather pick up the phone and call. It’s not just about convenience—it actually says a lot about a person’s personality.
Psychology suggests that those who favor texting over phone calls tend to share certain traits. Whether it’s about how they process information, handle social interactions, or manage their time, their preference for texting reveals more than you might think.
Here are seven common traits of people who prefer texting over phone calls, according to psychology.
1) They value efficiency
Some people love long, drawn-out phone conversations. Others? Not so much.
People who prefer texting often see it as a more efficient way to communicate. Instead of spending time on small talk or waiting for the other person to finish speaking, they can get straight to the point.
Texting allows them to multitask, respond at their own pace, and keep conversations concise. It’s not that they don’t enjoy talking—it’s just that they’d rather do it in a way that fits their schedule and energy levels.
2) They like having time to think before responding
I’ll admit it—I’m one of those people who prefers texting over phone calls, and one big reason is that it gives me time to think before I respond.
When I’m on a call, I sometimes feel pressured to come up with an answer on the spot, even if I haven’t fully processed what was just said. But with texting, I can take a moment to gather my thoughts, choose my words carefully, and make sure I’m saying exactly what I mean.
Psychologists say this is common for people who prefer texting. They tend to be more thoughtful communicators who like having that extra time to craft their responses instead of reacting impulsively in real-time.
3) They find social interactions draining
Talking on the phone requires a lot more energy than texting. You have to process tone, respond instantly, and keep the conversation flowing—all of which can be exhausting, especially for people who are more introverted or socially anxious.
Texting, on the other hand, removes a lot of that pressure. It allows for breaks between exchanges and doesn’t demand immediate emotional or mental energy. In fact, research has shown that phone conversations can increase cognitive load, making them more mentally taxing than written communication.
For people who find social interactions draining, texting provides a way to stay connected without feeling overwhelmed.
4) They prefer clear and direct communication
Phone calls can be full of interruptions, misunderstandings, and unnecessary small talk. For people who prefer texting, written communication helps keep things clear and to the point.
Without the distraction of tone or background noise, texting allows messages to be more deliberate. There’s also a written record of the conversation, making it easier to refer back to important details instead of relying on memory.
This preference for clarity often means they appreciate directness in communication and value efficiency over lengthy discussions.
5) They feel awkward on the phone
There’s something about talking on the phone that just feels uncomfortable. The pauses feel longer, the pressure to respond instantly is stressful, and sometimes, it’s hard to tell when it’s your turn to talk.
Unlike in-person conversations where body language helps guide the flow, phone calls rely entirely on voice cues—which can lead to talking over each other or moments of silence that feel way too long.
Texting removes all of that awkwardness. There’s no worrying about interrupting someone or struggling to find the right words in real-time. It’s just an easier way to communicate without the pressure of getting everything right in the moment.
6) They like feeling in control of conversations
Phone calls can be unpredictable—you never know how long they’ll last, where the conversation will go, or if you’ll get stuck on the line longer than you intended.
Texting, on the other hand, gives people more control. They can choose when to respond, take breaks without being rude, and end the conversation when it feels right. There’s no pressure to fill silence or keep talking just to be polite.
For those who prefer texting, this sense of control makes communication feel less overwhelming and more on their own terms.
7) They express themselves better in writing
Not everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts out loud. For some, speaking in real-time makes it harder to organize ideas, find the right words, or fully articulate what they mean.
Writing gives them the space to be more intentional with their words. They can edit, refine, and express themselves in a way that feels more natural than speaking on the spot.
For these people, texting isn’t just about convenience—it’s about communicating in a way that truly represents what they want to say.
Bottom line: The brain craves written words
The way we communicate isn’t just about preference—it’s often shaped by how our brains are wired.
Research suggests that reading and writing activate different cognitive processes than speaking and listening. Written words engage areas of the brain linked to memory, comprehension, and careful thought, which might explain why some people feel more comfortable expressing themselves through text rather than speech.
For those who favor texting over phone calls, it may not just be about convenience or avoiding awkward conversations. Their brains might simply process written communication more naturally, making it the medium where they feel most understood.
