Text Messaging and Connectivity

Angel Almaraz
Dr. Jason Farman
DTC 375
27 January 2009

Text Messaging and Connectivity

Here is the dilemma – you left your house fifteen minutes ago, you are running late for either class or work, and you realize you left your cell phone at home. Do you go back for your phone or do you decide to spend the day without it? For many people there is no dilemma, you go back for the phone. What used to be a luxury item is now a must have item. Cell phones have moved past their original purpose of allowing users to call anyone at anytime. Text messaging has become the medium used to connect to each other. The conversations that take place through text messaging may not be the most profound but they allow users to feel connected to each other. Often the seemingly meaningless conversations keep us connected. Through text messaging, we can stay in constant contact with each other in a way that we have not been able to in the past.

When first introduced, the only function of a cell phone was to make and receive phone calls. Cell phone technology soon advanced and users had the option of sending and receiving e-mail on their phones. Then there was text messaging.

Text messaging has overtaken phone calls as the primary function of cell phones. In 2006, only 42 percent of U.S. cell phone users used their phones to carry on a conversation with someone. In 2002, that percentage was 80 percent (Fernando 11). While the use of text messaging continues to increase in the U.S., Europeans send the most text messaging, averaging four times the amount sent. (Fernando 12). What has led to text messaging overtaking phone calls as the primary function of cell phones?

One advantage of text messaging over phone calls was demonstrated on September 11, 2001. The numbers of phone calls placed that day overwhelmed the mobile phone system in New York, while text messages were able to get through (Palen 81). Text messages can be sent when there is not a strong enough signal to make a phone call. This allows users in rural areas to keep in touch.

Another advantage of text messaging over phone calls is that users have more control over the conversation (Mahatanankoon and O’Sullivan 975). When you are on a phone call, you have to wait for responses from the other party and often times the subject will repeatedly change and your original reason for calling may not be addressed. When sending a text message you direct the flow and duration of the conversation. Text messaging can also serve as a record of the conversation since you can go back and review your sent and received messages.

Yet another advantage of text messaging over phone calls is that sending and receiving text messaging is less disruptive to those around you, especially when in a public place. Everyone has been in a situation where you overhead a phone call and learned more about a stranger than you ever wanted to know. Now you can carry on the most intimate of conversations without those around you hearing every word.

Younger people tend to use and become more familiar with new technology more readily than any other age group (Ehrenberg, Juckes, White, and Walsh, 739). Some people it is possible to become addicted to text messaging but research in this area is limited (Ehrenberg, Juckes, White, and Walsh, 739). Some research has shown that individuals with lower levels of self-esteem may be more prone to text messaging addiction (Ehrenberg, Juckes, White, and Walsh, 739). In a study conducted by Ehrenberg, Juckes, White, and Walsh, they found that people who had an extraverted personality used text messaging more often (740). Their study also found that some people maybe more comfortable using technology to communicate rather than communicating face-to-face (Ehrenberg, Juckes, White, and Walsh, 740).

While text message use for social connection is high, its use in the business world remains limited. Text messages are generally limited to 160 characters, which limits the amount of business that can be conducted. Text messaging has developed its own abbreviated language but the use of an abbreviated language would be seen as unprofessional. E-mail remains the medium for communication in business world.

For now text messaging is the medium most used to keep us in contact with each other. Often times, what we are sending is not important, but being able to stay in contact allows us to remain a part of each other’s lives. Undoubtedly, text messaging will be replaced by a new technology. How soon and by what medium remains to be seen.

Works Cited

Ehrenberg, Alexandra, and Juckes, Suzanna, and White, Katerine, and Walsh, Shari. “Personality and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Young People’s Technology Use.” CyberPsychology & Behavior Vol. 11, No. 6 (2008)

Fernando, Angelo. “If you text it, they may come.” Communication World July-August 2007: 11-12.

Mahatanankoon, Pruthikrai and O’Sullivan, Patrick. “Attitude Toward Mobile Text Messaging: An Expectancy-Based Perspective.” Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 13 (2008): 973-992

Palen, Leysia. “Mobile Telephony in a Connected Life.” Communications of the ACM March 2002, Vol. 45, No. 3: 78-82.