I have noticed that my kids are using their cell phones to text more than to talk. I observed my daughter and she will text her friends repeatedly from her room versus picking up her cell phone to call them. It is not just the Y generation. I text a lot as well via my BlackBerry. I use text messaging as a means to get my thoughts out fast without requiring a long, drawn out conversation. I am on conference calls all day, so the last thing I want to do when I leave work is talk on the phone. So I text folks when I’m not at work.
Text messaging has always been informal. You do not have to be accurate and polished in what you say. The main reason I use text messaging is that I want to get the word out quickly without being cordial, and the recipient can respond quickly. I am not advocating that there is no place for effective verbal communication. I just think text messaging has a place as well.
What are your thoughts?
Tara says:
March 19, 2009 at 10:45 am
I think the reason for text…especially for younger people actually has some sentimentality. It’s like those letters or notes that we used to look forward to from a friend…except texting is a lot faster. And when you get a message that’s extra funny or touching, you can read it over and over again.
There’s nothing new under the sun…writing to our friends has always been a great way to communicate. It’s just taken on a different form. Just make sure if you have a teenager, you have the UNLIMITED plan!!!
bklein34 says:
March 26, 2009 at 8:42 am
My kids are a little too young for texting (though my 6 yo daughter can send a perfect email). The funny thing is my AARP-member father is the hugest texter I know! He’s the one who really got me going, simply b/c he so often would return a phone call but seems to be addicted to texting.
I love that people can communicate however they choose, whatever their age!
John Blackshire says:
April 14, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I agree. Why call, when all you need to do sometimes is send a text!
Marty says:
April 24, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Texting comes in handy so many times when talking on a phone is not appropriate. I do worry, however, that we text/email things that we would NEVER say to a person. You can be so hurtful in a text when you would never be so bold to act that way in person. Just a thought!
GeneTinsley says:
October 9, 2009 at 8:18 pm
There’s good info here. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog. Keep up the good work mate!