If you go just about anywhere anymore, you will most likely see someone staring at their phone, clutching it with two hands, both thumbs tapping quickly on the keypad. Text messaging is a worldwide phenomenon that involves people of all walks of life; young and old alike are jumping on the text train.
Whereas a few years ago, one would see (or hear, rather) people obnoxiously talking away on their cell phone, nowadays it is much more common to witness someone texting rather than talking. Texting definitely has its benefits; some of these benefits are listed below.
Time Saver
Text messaging is fantastic for those who don't have time to carry on a full-fledged conversation. A simple “be there soon” or a “can't talk” gets the message across quickly and succinctly. There is a very finite amount of space with which to write, so word economy is of the utmost importance. Conversations can occur when there is actually time to have one, if one so chooses.
More Minutes = More Money
Using your phone's text message feature, rather than using your cell phone minutes is another benefit of texting. Cell phone plans can be reasonable, but with additional minutes costing as much as forty cents apiece, texting is an affordable alternative. Additionally, changing plans to add more minutes can mean an increased contract length, pinning you down for one to two more years.
Discretion
Texting can be a discreet mode of communication, especially when you are in situations where phone calls are inappropriate. Shooting a quick text during a meeting or from your cubicle at the office is much less intrusive than talking on the phone or in person. Of course, this can also be viewed by some as inappropriate and rude, but it is a great tool to have at your disposal when necessary.
Not a Harsh Interruption
We've all been there. You are in a meeting or at the movie theater, and either your phone or someone else's phone starts ringing. It is embarrassing to the phone's owner and annoying to those who are nearby. Most phones can be set at vibrate or silent, and setting your text messaging feature to vibrate ensures that you will not be embarrassed or annoy anyone.
Talk Ain't Cheap
Those who believe talk is cheap haven't been interrupted at a pivotal moment in their day to have to shift gears and wrap their head around someone else's thoughts and conversational topics. Text messaging eliminates the need to carry on a long-winded conversation, and frees you up to get on with your life.
Of course, if you like talking or want to talk, texting won't do the trick. Sometimes you have to talk. Many people now, however, have a “text before you talk” policy when it comes to their cell phone. It is preferable to see if someone can talk before you interrupt their day, especially if it's just for a little thing. Time is precious these days, especially with technology constantly raising the bar for productivity standards. Try texting if you haven't; you just might like it.
