What is the point of text messaging?

[Hazy]

I like texts better because I can keep them, plus I really dislike talking on the phone.

Better for fast 1 liner replies rather then a phone conversation to say a few words.

These.

It's simply easier for me, and more convenient for them - provided they're in a situation where talking isn't an option.
[sub][sub]Like when they're fighting a bear or something.[/sub][/sub]

 

[TheRocketeer]

To communicate with other students under your desk in high school.

Other than that, it's entirely pointless, and a huge waste of time and money.

 

[Koganesaga]

Well, it costs less to get just as much or more said, it is clearer (Unless the receiver is illiterate), and you spend less time with a phone stuck to the side of your head.

How does that work? Is there a plan where you only pay for text messaging? Because unless there is, it's an extra feature that costs more, and unless you type faster than you speak it's faster to call. Also in terms of clarity, not so much because with talking you can use tones which would get lost in text messages. That and sometimes the context of the conversation can be lost with texts.

The only benefit I see is you can text in situations in which you can't talk, in which case if you can't talk you probably have something more important things you should be doing (Like listening to your teacher instead of finding out about how your friend who skipped school just scored or some stupid shit).

My last point is this, if texting is such a grand idea, why is it that video games are moving towards VOICE chat vs TEXT chat for team based communication, especially on PC's which have keyboards?

 

[StarofAzura]

Costs less, and is faster and more convenient.

 

[Composer]

it provides written proof from that persons phone that they are sending inappropriate sexual comments =D

 

[The_Eskimo]

Well, it costs less to get just as much or more said, it is clearer (Unless the receiver is illiterate), and you spend less time with a phone stuck to the side of your head.

How does that work? Is there a plan where you only pay for text messaging? Because unless there is, it's an extra feature that costs more, and unless you type faster than you speak it's faster to call. Also in terms of clarity, not so much because with talking you can use tones which would get lost in text messages. That and sometimes the context of the conversation can be lost with texts.

The only benefit I see is you can text in situations in which you can't talk, in which case if you can't talk you probably have something more important things you should be doing (Like listening to your teacher instead of finding out about how your friend who skipped school just scored or some stupid shit).

My last point is this, if texting is such a grand idea, why is it that video games are moving towards VOICE chat vs TEXT chat for team based communication, especially on PC's which have keyboards?

games use voice chat b/c you dont have to let go of the controls to talk to someone where you do have to let go to type to them

 

[NoNameMcgee]

Because sometimes texting is just more casual and easier than getting on the phone and talking.

 

[Hithlain]

For me, it's easier to think about what I want to say to a certain statement which I like. I can say exactly what I want to say in exactly how I want to say it.

 

[geddydisciple]

its nice if i want to say something to someone at work or school. Not necessarily to have a conversaition with them but to tell them to meet me here at X time or whatever, and as sad as this sounds i find it easier to talk to members of the opposite sex via text. It gives me more time to think of what i want to say.

 

[almostgold]

Oh yea, and dont give me that "so you can talk to your friends during class" bullshit, you should be paying attention

But that's why... I really don't care about my studies that much?

Other than that it makes it easier to flirt, you can hold extended conversations over a long period of time, and you can do other tasks while its going on.

Example: At a party, I would never talk on the phone. Music and people are too loud to hear. However, I will text. What would be a 10 minute conversation on the phone turns into a 1-hour long one, and I can still talk to actuall people there or text between Beer Pong throws.

Texting > Talking

 

[LeonLethality]

Unlimited texting is cheaper than unlimited calling and it feels weird to call friends at 1 AM

 

[SirDoom]

I can't afford an actual plan, (Verizon is the only carrier that works out here, and it would be the most expensive one...) so I'm stuck with a prepay plan. I can afford the $20/month messaging bundle. However, the $2 daily activation fee plus 5 cents/minute for calling would have to cut into my gas money if I made more than a few calls a month. I just barely have enough income for gas and $30 a month for my phone as it is.

Stupid not being able to find a job...

 

[TheTim]

Good way to communicate with your girlfriend or if your trying to get with someone.

 

[Estocavio]

Ive never understood SMS messaging either, however i believe its because people want to talk but not 'talk'.

 

[Nemu]

Honestly, I didn't get it, either, until I got a cell 2 years ago (I'd previously only made myself available by pager, if anything). Mostly, it enables me to send messages back and forth to my gf in a convenient fashion when we are otherwise busy. Or friends, or family... I DETEST talking on the phone, but I have no problem with texting.

I do not, however, send jokes, stupid videos, chain-mail-esque bullshit messages, nor do I hand out my number to just ANYONE. It's like my facebook, an easy way to stay in touch with a small collection of friends and family with whom I get along with, but don't always have time to talk.


Just personal preference, I guess. I could live without my cell, seeing as I'm not addicted to using it, but it would make it difficult to get a message or send one at a moment's notice.

 

[EnzoHonda]

"Hey, give me a call when you have a minute." Extremely useful text.

"Thinking of you." Again, useful in certain contexts.

Also, you can stretch out a conversation over the course of a day or evening. Good for jobs that are really dull (most). Most of the time you can't be there with your phone on your ear, but there are a lot of chances to text. Send a text every 5-10 minutes to whoever and your day goes by quicker.

 

[VanityGirl]

I send quick friendly texts, but if I want an actual conversation, I will call the person.

 

[AMX58]

lets say you can't hear anything the person is saying and you really wanna know so thats why i kinda like texting but i do think its a little over rated to tell you the truth