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Communicating with Text Messaging

by Bobbye J. Davis, Southeastern Louisiana University &
Clarice P. Brantley, Innovative Training Team

Text messaging, also known as SMS (Short Message Service), allows the user to send and receive short messages through electronic devices such as a cell phone or a Blackberry. Text messaging uses short word forms, acronyms, and emoticons. For example, c u @TEOTD :) translates to “See you at the end of the day.”

Since its beginning 15 years ago, text messaging usage has increased dramatically. The growth is evident worldwide extending from the West to the East. In the United States more than 2 billion text messages are sent across carriers in one week. Britons send more than 1 billion text messages a week, whereas Chinese users send approximately 8 billion.

As the number of messages has increased, so has the variety of applications. Potential applications appear endless and include the following examples: transmitting user-to-user informal conversations, messaging between doctor and patient, polling for political purposes, advertising and marketing, and providing updates and alerts for farmers. Text messaging uses will most likely increase as technology improves and as creative minds perceive new applications.

As text messaging evolves, advantages and disadvantages become apparent. Current users have identified the following advantages:

• Transmits quick messages to receivers without disturbing them with phone calls.
• Sends private comments to others who are in the same location.
• Limits potential for long conversations.
• Offers more convenience than e-mail because transmitting device is portable.
• Sends or responds to messages without interrupting others.
• Provides another mode of transmitting emergency alerts.
• Allows for fewer time and distance constraints.

As text messaging popularity continues to grow, users also have identified the following concerns:

• Raises the debate for text messaging effects on language skills.
• Increases likelihood for skeletal damage (thumbs).
• Warrants observation for potential compulsive behavior.
• Demands increased message security control.
• Lacks universal agreement on abbreviations and symbols. For example LOL could mean “lots of love” or “laughing out loud.”
• Jeopardizes input speed and accuracy because of keyboard size.
• Requires monetary output for service registration and for receiving and transmitting messages.
• Opens potential for abuse such as spam.
• Lacks assurance that message was delivered and/or received.

The following cartoon illustrates that senders cannot assume that receivers accessed their messages.

Copyright 2007 by Mark Pett. Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate. Reprinted with permission.

Text messaging users, including educators, students, and business personnel, recognize that advantages will progress and concerns will develop. Additional text messaging information may be located at these sites:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/messaging-internet/messaging/faq-text-messaging.jsp

http://www.ussshortcodes.com/csc_faq.html

http://cnnmoney.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=Raw+Deal%3A+Text

http://www.spiked-online.com/Articles/000000005464.htm

http://clubs.ccsu.edu/recorder/editorial/print_item.asp?NewsID=339

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories2004/06/07/tech/printable621388.shtml

http://www.technologyreview.com/Biztech/1927/

http://www.netlingo.com/emailsh.cfm

Davis and Brantley, the authors, acknowledge with appreciation the contributions of G. Jeff White, Connell & Manziek Realty, Inc., Pensacola, Florida, and Tracey Kempka, Framework Two, Pacific Palisades, California.