Americans love to text. It’s become our favorite mode of communion, and it’s particularly popular among youth. The average 18- to 29-year-old sends and receives 88 texts a day compared to 17 calls. Some researchers say we’re losing something in the translation. When a need arises for an apology, for instance, many folks would prefer to text a quick “I’m sorry” to the offended party; but while the text may convey the appropriate words, the recipient doesn’t hear the inflection in the voice or see a facial  expression. Furthermore, the discomfort of a face-to-face apology can help increase understanding, compassion and (in the long run) friendship. That’s only the beginning. Some worry that frequent texters are losing the ability to communicate with one another. “I talk to kids, and they describe their fear of conversation,” says MIT psychologist Sherry Turkle. “An 18-year-old I interviewed recently said, ‘Someday, but certainly not now, I want to learn to have a conversation.'” (Time)