Would you rather have bad news delivered immediately by such impersonal means as a text message, or wait until you can get it in person?

It would depend on whether it is something that I can modify or effect in some way. If it is beyond hope of change or salvage – probably in person.

Uhh, kind of strange context, but…

It’s always better to hear important news in person. Not to say that getting a text message saying something like “I have something important to tell you, please call asap” and THEN receiving the news on the phone isn’t reasonable. But seriously… If I had been told my grandmother had just passed on with a text message, I would be pissed.

I had a nightmare that someone told me through a text message that my mom had died. After that, I prefer all my text messages to be happy ones.

Since the text message would probably be ‘omg yo grandmther kick buket’ I would want it to be delivered in person. It just seems wrong to tell someone saddening news via typing a couple of keys. You want a personal response when dealing with personal issues.

Ok, +5 for basing this question off Mass Effect (that’s just awesome).

I think it’d depend on how much the information affected me personally, and whether or not I could do something about it. If it’s going to affect me greatly and I can’t do a damn thing about it, then at least let me get through the day at work before nailing me with the information… and yes, have a heart and do it in person (unless you live thousands of miles away, in which case, at least pick up a phone instead of texting). But, if it’s a sensitive issue of some urgency which I can do something about, absolutely: let me know asap by any means necessary.

That having been said, I had a casual acquaintance years ago who called and left a message on my answering machine (you know, those things that existed before cell phones) to tell me that my (now ex) boyfriend had cheated on me the night before. She literally giggled about it. Uh… appreciate the info, but on the answering machine? Really?

Bad news over email or text message is really insensitive.
It’s just mean to drop a bomb like that and run for cover.

In video games, it’s not such a big deal. For real life people and relationships the personal touch is so much better.

Mass Effect is awesome

I’d just as soon not receive it at all.

It depends on how bad the bad news really is. you would never send a text message or email to tell a family member of a death in the family. this news should only be delivered in person. i would never do this, no matter what the bad news may be. i would only tell the bad news in person. text messages and emails are cold, as applied in this situation.

In person, please! I expect it more. Who the hell would send such terrible information about Mass Effect via text message?

The admiral needs to know immediately. This is no time to be pussyfooting around, waiting for the right moment to tell him in person!

It depends on the wording

text message. I don’t like falling apart in front of people.

You’re going to be late for dinner, any way is fine. Really horrible personal news, please tell me in person.