VIrtual or Real Communication

I like the example given that research has shown that teens "use IM to begin, maintain and end relationships". I feel that this is a common argument I have heard amongst my mother and father in their attempts to understand why text messaging and instant messaging are so prevelant when it is easier to just pick up the phone. I have heard them say that isn't "real" either. My question was always why not? I am still talking to someone regardless of how I am doing it. The words I text or type are still the same words I would speak. My meanings behind my messages are still me, regardless of my means of sending those messages. Now it may be very impersonal, but despite that it is definitly still real. Or as well as with blogging. Blogging is basically like writing in a diary that people all over the world have access to. It is not uncommon for this line of virtual and real communication to be questioned, but I do think it should be thoroughly evaluated more.