What Are Text Messages?

Previously, I had mentioned text messages (AKA SMS or texting) in an article about whether or not Facebook was replacing email. I love watching these topics build up on each other like this. One small step at a time, we're learning more about the technology world around us.

Text messages are exactly what their name says they are. They are messages made entirely out of text. They're sent from cell phone to cell phone (with some exceptions I won't go into here), and are usually short- around 200 characters or so.

"Texts" as they're usually called (short for "text messages"), are quickly becoming the most popular form of communication with American youth today. They're short, they're personal, private, and because they're instantly delivered, you don't have to wait for someone to check to see your message.

Text messages are different from email from both a fundamental and functional standpoint. Fundamentally, text messages seperate themselves from email because they are sent and received by cell phone towers, not over the Internet. In this way, texts are more closely related to phone conversations.

Functionally, text messages are short messages. They're usually one line messages like: "I love you, Mom." "Pick up milk on your way home, please." or the more common "c u l8r". What? You don't understand the last one?

Text messages have created their own cryptic psuedo-language that will drive any English teacher insane. The above message actually means "See you later." They make small reference guides to decyphering "text-talk", but I like my method of simply writing in normal English, and if someone replies with something I don't understand I simply reply with "?"

As tempted as I am to give a quick primer on popular acronyms, I'll leave that to the professionals. Click this link if you've found yourself confronted with text or Internet slang you don't understand, but I wouldn't try to memorize any of these. No one's going to be quizzing you. Promise!

Practical Tip of the Day:
Almost every cell phone on the market today is capable of text messaging, but often times it costs to send or even receive text messages. As any of our friends can attest, my husband used to scold people for texting him even though he didn't have a plan. Each time one of our friends forgot and sent him a message, it cost him $.5. Before you start going crazy sending text messages, make sure you and the people you want to text with have plans or you may be looking at additional charges to your monthl cell phone bill.