With email, text messaging (SMS), BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), BBM Voice and numerous other ways to communicate, it seems that simple phone calls are becoming less frequent. Think about how often you use your BlackBerry smartphone to make a call. Do you make calls to say ‘happy birthday,’ or just to say hello and catch up with an old friend? How long do these conversations last? Messaging just makes communicating easier. But is it the best way?

One thing we all have in common is our behavior during a storm. A recent study found that during ‘uncomfortable weather’ of any kind, call volumes decreased but the length of calls increased. Data also showed that during storms we are calling family and close friends rather than a wider network of contacts. Does this sound like you?

The difference between words in a text and soothing familiar voice is our emotional response to each. During a storm or any time of uncertainty, we want the emotional connection we get by talking to our friends or family. Sorry, emoticons – a voice connection wins this time.

We are attached to our BlackBerry smartphones by far more than just our wireless headsets and stylish leather cases and we should all embrace it. A familiar voice is comforting – whether during a storm or a bright, sunny day. Sometimes we need to take a step back and use that feature on our smartphones.

How do you like to catch up with friends and family? Do you wait for a storm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!