Text messaging is destroying America.
That's right. Texting is right up there with Al Gore, reality television and bears.
Text messaging, or texting (an example of how we've managed to turn another noun into a verb) is when one uses their mobile device to send a short written message to someone else's mobile device.
Textiquette (another completely made-up word) are the rules to be observed in social texting interactions.
There are two issues at hand. One is the texting pandemic sweeping our culture destroying traditional interpersonal communication and the eminent fall of our society because of it. The other are the rules of textiquette the general regulations to be followed designed to keep texting from turning into some sort of structureless, new-age, feel-goodery medium of expression.
Why Text
Texting has replaced phone calls in a number of ways, most of which are unacceptable. People send them out in droves and all too frequently. Maybe there's some new "Save Your Ears Text" campaign I don't know about.
Texting is not an acceptable way to set up dates, break up with people, deliver bad news or find out how someone's day was. Those kinds of things should be done over the talky part of your phone. And this is why texting is destroying America. It has turned relationships more uncommitted than ever.
There's something about hearing someone's voice, the simple intimacy and the immediate interaction that connects people. Calling instead of texting shows you don't want to be doing anything else at that moment, you're willing to possibly say something you might regret since you can't proofread what you're about to say, and you want vocal inflection to be a part of your relationship. And we all know it's a big step in a relationship when vocal inflection gets involved.
A relationship, romantic or otherwise, based primarily on text messages is sad.
Who to Text
It's becoming more acceptable to text whoever you'd like: coworkers, bosses, religious leaders, professors, etc.
However, do not text people who do not have cell phones. Landlines have a hard time displaying those little messages.
Do not text people whose cell phones do not or can not receive texts. Some plans charge extra for text messages, and some people tell their providers to not allow their phones to send or receive texts.
Do not text people who have told you not to text them. I know that may be hard for you to believe, but there are actually people out there who would rather hear the sound of your voice than see how well you can type.
Do not text people who wouldn't know what to do with a text, like anyone over 50 years old.
What to Text
You can text information that doesn't require a response. Texting phone numbers, addresses and friendly reminders is good because people will have that information stored in their phone to access later.
Texts should be less than 160 characters. There's a reason text messages have a limit. Anything longer than that is an e-mail, not a text message. Nobody wants to read your life story on a one-inch screen.
Do not use B4, cya, U2, ppl, L8R, ur, and 2nite. They are not words. They are an egregious combination of letters and/or numbers that deserve to die. Again, if you have to abbreviate in order to fit your whole text into the 160 character limit, then you're saying too much and should probably use the other half of your phone. You knowthe phone half.
Don't text if the need is extremely pressing. Sometimes it takes hours or even days for a text message to make it through outer space or wherever it goes, maybe Mongolia before it gets to the other phone. So if something needs to be resolved now, just call.
When/Where to Text
It's definitely rude to an instructor to text during class. However, I'll admit I've done it before, but we should all resist the temptation. If you're paying all this money to take these classes, and you've managed to get out of bed that day, there's no point in wasting money and time having a pointless conversation via texting especially since you shouldn't be having any conversations via texting.
I doubt God is very happy when you text in church. I know talks and lessons can be boring at times, but be strong. It'll all be over soon enough. However, I think God is happy at the cacophony and hilarity resulting from a mass text sent in the middle of church to see who forgot to silence their phone.
It's never okay to text on a date. Next time you go on a date, you might even want to try leaving your phone at home. I know you probably feel naked/discombobulated/awkward without your phone, but hopefully your date is more important than your phone anyway.
And keep this in mind: Just because you are awake at 2 in the morning, doesn't mean that I am. So no middle-of-the-night texting, whether it's alcohol induced or not.
And don't text while driving. There are already enough idiots on the road.
In conclusion, texting should not replace good, old-fashioned talking. If someone texts you wanting to have a conversation, don't respond with a text. Respond with a phone call.
And the next time you're about to text someone, think to yourself, "Is there any reason for me to not just call?" I bet most of the time there won't be.