It used to be that cell phones were used as a more portable way to make and receive phone calls. The modern cell phone has evolved into an all-in-one phone, camera, camcorder, GPS, PC, and text chat platform. Despite continued technological and application development for cell phones, text messages are still the most used phone feature. It is estimated that 2.3 trillion text messages were sent in 2008. Because of the text message phenomenon, new phone designs now incorporate full QWERTY keyboards for the frequent texter.
Text messages are short (140 characters or less) messages that are sent from one mobile device to another. “Text” messages can also include pictures and short video clips (multimedia messages). Text messages have become the most convenient way to communicate aside from applications that require the usage of a personal computer. At first glance, it seems that texting should be an integral part of the average person’s lifestyle. Texting is simple and convenient, and has the potential to save the user a lot of time – if utilized correctly and efficiently. However, after a second glance texting seems to take on a whole new look.
From the Techsplosive point of view, texting is just another one of those things that people claim saves time, yet in actuality takes about 5x longer than it really should take. Conversations that could take 3 minutes texting, could conceivably take place in 30-45 second face to face or in a voice conversation over the ph0ne. Text messaging also carries with it a kind of discreet connotation, leading the user to believe that it is an O.K. think to do “publicly”. While texting is fine to do if the user is alone in public, it really is incredibly rude to text while in private groups. If you wouldn’t interrupt a conversation for a phone call, don’t interrput one with because of a text message.
For phenomenal popularity, cool options, and the push to create more texting friendly phones (we call that innovation), text messaging snags a 10/10. FOr convenience, innefectivity in relation to time, and the interuption factor, text messaging manages to receive a much lower 3/10. In essence text messaging has just allowed people to talk more, and communcate less. Text messaging receives an overall Techsplosive score of:
Photo by: Cazimiro
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