R.I.P. Phone Conversations

Okay, so lately I've noticed that my phone hasn't been ringing lately. Unless of course it's a text. I thought maybe it was just me so I decided to ask some random people if they get any use out of their phone in terms of verbal communication (not including texts or IM's). To my surprise 8 out of 10 people said they don't really use their phone to talk. They'd rather text or IM instead of call the person and just talk. Why is this? I can't see how you can carry on a conversation with someone through text, IM, or email and expect for the social aspect of a relationship to grow. Now I have to say that I do fall victim to this. Its my generation I mean what can I say. But I still do enjoy a good phone conversation. I've even noticed this trend with some of the people I've dated which is probably why we didn't work. If I would call them, they would not pick up for anything. But, like 10 seconds after I'd call, I'd receive a text saying "what's up?" Really?! The most common answer why people would much rather text and IM, instead of calling someone and having a real conversation was.........."I'm not really a talk on the phone kind of person." Well I could say that too but I still do it because I know it'll help build a relationship with whomever the person may be. I mean how is this any different from talking to someone in person? The only difference is you can't see each other. What, does the phone intimidate you or something? I really can't grasp how people don't like to talk on the phone. Are you one who would rather text or IM before you call someone? If you are, think about why you would rather text and IM instead of conversing on the phone.