Anyone use a drum as a communication device? How about fires, smoke signals, the pony express? How many are glad that the printing press was invented? Recently, I met with some friends and the discussion turned to the use of texting. Some people liked the idea but others were less than enthusiastic. How could texting be a form of communication? Where was the art of conversation? Alive and well – just evolving.
Nielsenwire published a report in 2010 on U.S. teen mobile phone usage which suggests that texting has become more popular than calling. Here’s a quick rundown on American teens, which is based on 1) data obtained from the monthly cell phone bills of 60,000 + users and 2) data surveys from over 3,000 teens:
- On average, teens send or receive 3,339 texts per month which breaks down to six texts per every hour they are awake. (And they read all of them)
- Ages 13 to 17 text the most, with females in this age category sending/receiving an average of 4,050 texts per month.
- Calls, or what Nielsenwire labels voice activity, decreased 14% among teens.
A couple of weeks ago, I bought a phone that was text-friendly. I realized, even without statistical evidence, that texting was efficient, cost-effective and an immediate response system. Why was I hesitating? My 81-year-old mother, who has been texting for over 2 years, was way ahead of me. If I want to keep in touch with my son, nieces, nephews, tech-savvy friends and yes, my mother, I better catch up – fast. The good news, texting is easy!
John Powell, scientist and musician said, “Communication works for those who work at it.” Staying connected may take a little effort, but it is time well spent.
Clanmother 
I think texting is great to send along a quick message to someone, or to just let someone know a piece of information that they could access at their convenience without bothering them with a phone call. For me, I send texts all the time to my friends because they live about 30-45 minutes away and it is difficult to see them sometimes with the distance & my work schedule. I think it’s a good way to stay in touch with people! I would prefer face-to-face conversation, of course!
LikeLike
That is why texting is so amazing (as I am beginning to learn). Time is always an issue so text technology is allowing me to stay in contact with more people, to share information quickly, even when they are miles away. It is easier to read a text than to listen to a voice mail. I look forward to hearing that special ring on my cell that announces someone is thinking about me. But you are so right: face-to-face is always the best!
LikeLike