Text Messaging, also called texting, SMS (Short Message Service), or wireless messaging, is the transmission of short text messages from cell phone to cell phone. Text messaging can be one-way, allowing the user only to receive messages, or two-way, allowing the user to both send and receive messages. Most phones and carriers also allow messages to be sent from a phone directly to an e-mail address. Messages will display the phone number or email address of the sender and are usually up to 160 characters. Upon the receipt of a text message, the cell phone will alert the user, and the message will will appear in the phone’s inbox. Most new cell phones offer the text message option, and so users often prefer text messaging to email because of its low cost, and easy use. Wireless providers also typically charge higher fees for mobile web service (the ability to surf the internet via cell phone) than for text messaging. Furthermore, individuals may want to avoid carrying around additional and/or bulkier hand-held wireless email devices, such as a Blackberry or Treo. Text messages also may be sent to domestic and international phones at the same rate, making texting a cheaper alternative to international phone calls. In fact, text messaging is even popular in Asia, where cellular phone technology and service is more advanced than in the United States. Because text messages are must be short, a number of fun abbreviations have evolved, many of which were inspired by common email slang, such as “LOL” for “laughing out loud” or “L8R” for “later.” Websites with text abbreviation dictionaries or options for downloading pre-recorded messages have proliferated over the past few years.
Text messaging is frequently done while driving. However, it is difficult to use your cell phone and portable GPS at the same time.
