The awesomeness of SMS’s

Nothing is as fun as SMS(ing), especially when at a function, bored out of your mind and something pops that you just have to share with a friend. Text messaging has become a great pastime or maybe an obsession, not to mention a very convenient way to communicate. For those that text messages on a regular basis, it is a very normal part of communication. However, for those people who do not text message or understand text messaging, it can be yet another sign of the apocalypse! In addition, for older people it is a depiction of the wayward nature of young people and their lack of sensibility. Of course, it is just a communication medium, but anything that is new and different is sometimes viewed with a certain level of distrust. Why can’t we just stick to the good old talking, some may ask? We need to understand that popular is, popular. Sometimes popularity cannot be explained. There is some sense of “everyone is doing it”, so people follow along with the trends. This is frustrating for those who do not understand why new generations do not conform to the patterns of the past. Why can’t it just be the way it was? They can’t be blamed for thinking or even believing that way but if only they knew! Texting is so much fun; a whole night can go by unnoticed while at it. It is a very quick and efficient (not to mention cheap) way to communicate. For example, a phone call would require that details be explained and sometimes the cell phone minutes are against that detail explanation ordeal. One trouble-free text is all a person needs to get the message across. I’m not sure if it’s the effectiveness of texting that excites people or, the fact that in an SMS, one can spell a word so horribly wrong and get away with it. Words are usually abbreviated so that everything someone wants to say can fit into one text and therefore not cost another penny for being too long. This is so much fun that even the shortest of words will find themselves abbreviated for example instead of ‘but’ it will be ‘bt’. It actually is fun having to vey a message across without worrying about grammar or spelling or a teacher insisting that the tense is wrong! In text messaging, nobody really cares how it is typed provided it is logical. Also, text messaging has become part of the social fabric of dating. People can text one another to make plans or even say ‘I love you’ when they may not have the time or ability to make a voice call. It is definitely a discreet and simple way to stay connected. And at the same time, it has also helped with avoiding an unwanted date. Texting is great fun for both the young and even old (at least the ones who don’t think it is impersonal). Overall, it is just a way of communicating information. People lamented when oral tradition was abandoned for the written word. In the same way, “texting” is embraced by some and ridiculed by others. Only time will tell if it is a lasting form of “personal” communication, or just an “impersonal” fad. rachelgaruka@yahoo.co.uk