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Americans generally send each other cards and postcards on birthdays and holidays and at other times when they want another person to know that they are thinking about him or her. However, with the "advent" (introduction and development) of the Internet, many Americans are starting to send "e-cards" (electronic cards) and "e-postcards" (electronic postcards) instead of "traditional" (old-style) cards and postcards.

An e-card or an e-postcard has a picture and a short message, just like regular cards and postcards do, but they are sent "via" (through) email. They give the sender space to write a "brief" (short, with few words) message. Many e-cards and e-postcards have "fancy" (special) graphics, "animation" (moving pictures), and music.

Many people like to send e-cards and e-postcards because they are "cheap" (very inexpensive) or free, and because they arrive "instantaneously" (without any delay). To send a card or postcard, people have to "plan ahead of time" (think about something in anticipation) in order to buy the card, write the message, buy a stamp, and mail it. An e-card or e-postcard can be sent in just seconds on the day of the birthday or holiday.

Many younger Americans like receiving e-cards and e-postcards because they think they are "cool" (modern and interesting). But many older Americans dislike receiving e-cards and e-postcards. They think that the people who send them are less "thoughtful" (considerate, thinking about other people) because the e-cards are free and can be sent so quickly and easily. Other people think that e-cards and e-postcards are "annoying" (irritating and bothersome) because they don't like to receive extra emails.