TEXT ANYONE? YES PLEASE!
As a single mother, full-time student, and social butterfly, I’ve embraced text messaging with open arms as well as ready thumbs. I definitely still dial numbers and make phone calls, but I use text messaging as my primary means of communication. Text messaging is one of the most appealing and captivating means of communication that has finally hit the forefront.
Text messaging is basically a typed “short” message, but can be as long as you want in order to say what you are trying to get across. Longer messages are easiest if words are abbreviated, easier to type as well as read. We can argue that the first text message came from a beeper or from an employee of NASA, or even from an employee at NOKIA, but for arguments sake, I’ll simply state that text messaging was “born” in the early 1990’s.
Text messaging is unique because it allows you the freedom to send a quick message to anyone, anywhere, or anytime as long as the person on the receiving end has text messaging capability on their phone. Text messaging takes away some of the inconvenience of a phone call, like: waiting on the line for someone to answer, or even for their voicemail to pick up. It allows us freedom to be able to use the phone without having to actually talk. Not having to talk comes in handy if you are in an important meeting, in class, at work, at the movies, or even at home with crying children. Text messaging allows us to drown out all the outside nonsense going on in the background, like: guests talking to loud, extra noise from a television, etc. I have the ATT Tilt, which is a touch screen PDA. Some of the advantages on this particular phone, as well as most of the newer ones coming out, is the Qwerty keyboard which makes texting that much easier. Another advantage is that it has a word memory, so that when I start to type, it lists four words that match the spelling appear for me to choose from. It also has spelling auto correct, so that when I start to type the word and I misspell it, it auto-corrects the word for me. These are some of the great features so that your “message” doesn’t get lost in translation.
Communication is of great importance when trying to get your message, or point across. As much as I would love to say texting is perfect and without flaw, I can’t. Text messaging can affect communication because besides including a smiley face to show happiness, or a frowning face to show sadness, etc, there’s no way to get the true tone or feeling from a message. Text messages are also called SMS (short message service) due to the fact that the message should be exactly that, short. If a text is too long, I myself try to abbreviate certain or all words, your exact thoughts might be misleading or confusing to the reader. Also, the fact that some people might not want to read a long thought out “text” message and would simply prefer a voice call instead. I guess you could say a text message leaves a lot to be desired. Text messages lack the intimacy that voice calls have. Hearing the laughter, sadness, or excitement in someone’s voice cannot ever be replaced.
Texting may not completely do for us what a voice call can, but I use texting because, as previously stated, I have two young children and can’t always pick up the phone to have a conversation. Texting is easy, fun, quick, and perfect for me. It’s perfect to use if you want to send someone a simple “Hello”, or “I love you”, etc. It’s perfect to use while you are in class and need to arrange a ride. It’s actually just perfect whenever you are not in the position to talk on the phone. I utilize it because it allows me to be quick and discreet. My mom started to use the text feature on her phone because it was the only way to get a hold of me, or the only way to get a response.
Texting is appropriate for socializing with friends and family. I don’t really believe it’s appropriate when you are trying to schedule appointments, or talking to your professor, or any professional for that matter. Not everybody is on the texting bandwagon, so I would say when dealing with anyone other than friends or family is inappropriate. However, since technology is advancing, more people might be forced to catch on, with fear that if they don’t, they might be left behind.
Text messaging has paid homage to older media like email, instant messaging, as well as the phone. It is definitely becoming something all its own. I actually realized this when two years ago I had overage charges on my bill and the charges weren’t from excessive talking/phone calls, the charges were from me texting too much. So I had to up my “text” package and actually lowered my “call” plan. I bought a phone with a keyboard so it would be that much easier and quicker for me to text with. More and more phones are coming out to be more appealing to people who mainly text. Texting is becoming more of a primary feature rather than a secondary perk.
Just like any new technology, or anything for that matter, there will always be advantages or disadvantages of its use. However, one thing is certain, the further we dive into technology there will always be something easier, more advanced, and more appealing than the last. If text messaging has me on this kind of communication high, then I’m holding on to my seat because this is one ride I definitely don’t want to get off.
