Group 1: Adams Blake, Allum Caitlin, Cheung Bonnie, Horne Whitney

TEXT MESSAGING; is it that much better?

By: Blake Adams, Caitlin Allum, Bonnie Cheung, Whitney Horne

Introduction
“Short Message Service” (SMS) or more commonly known as “Text Messaging” (TM) is a mobile phone service designed in the late 1980’s enabling Alpha-numeric messages to be sent from mobile-to-mobile, computer-to-mobile and recently mobile-to-landline. SMS has become increasingly popular due to its widespread usage, mobility, low cost and convenience.

Modern mobile phones are equipped with standard SMS capabilities, including user friendly keypads and even touch screens that emulate personal computer keyboards. SMS is often included in the cost of a monthly service plan or charged per TM, depending on the service provider. December 1992 the first TM was sent by Airwide Solutions over the Vodafone Network saying “Merry Christmas”. The popularity of this mass communication method was unprecedented; by 2000 under 20 billion TM’s were sent, with over 500 billion sent by 2004. SMS is most popular in Southeast Asia, followed by Europe although commonly used among residents of North America.

The SMS design was initially intended to relay a TM to a mobile phone user. Today SMS carries a similar purpose, however it is beginning to substitute verbal communication, and altering our culture and environment forcing one to question if this growing technology is an effective replacement or mere supplement.

Background




Text On 9 Keys
“Text On 9 Keys” (T9) input is a standard method that relates the numbers, star and pound keys to alpha-numeric values, special characters and punctuation. T9 input intends to make it easier and faster to type messages using a multi-tap method, however this requires more pressing of keys to send a message and is becoming obsolete in modern mobile technology with standard SMS capabilities.

“Predictive Text Technology” (PTT) is used to complete words faster by cross-referencing each key pressed. PTT was developed by Tegic Communications and purchased by Nuance Communications. Modern mobiles come equipped with a dictionary pre-loaded with thousands of words, emoticons, and punctuation, enabling more personal expression from the TM sender. PTT is also compatible with QWERTY text-input.

QWERTY
“QWERTY” operates using a keyboard style layout first developed in the 19th century for use in typewriters and later adopted for use with computer input. QWERTY is an increasingly popular TM input method since Nokia implemented the “Communicator 9000” model in 1996 using the QWERTY input interface. Current mobile models like “Blackberry” and “T-Mobile Sidekick” are making QWERTY the modern standard for text input. Slide-out full keyboards on mobile and gaming devices are becoming increasingly popular and prevent keys from uneccesarily being pressed while in the users pocket or bag. Although the input of TM's can be mentally straining it is eased by technology with user-friendly features.

Applications


Although difficult to distinguish between social interaction and the exchanging of essential information using TM's,their primary functions were seperated into nine categories shown in Fig.1. The analysis was made using 544 TMs and shows that two-thirds of them were relational oriented, whereas one-third of the messages were less intimate and more transactional.

The observable trend that SMS is used for more personal and intimate communication is indicative that this communication method is imperative to "keeping in touch" within a fast-paced modern society, although the convenient digital delivery can be perceived as very impersonal.

Cost Effective
Although the cost of a text message can vary greatly, in many cases it can turn out to be the more cost effective solution particularly with a good cell phone plan. For example when wanting to send a quick message to a friend or relative that lives across the country, or even the world, it is a lot cheaper to send a text then to face the cost of roaming and long distance phone charges. While a single text may cost you 20¢, depending on your plan with a phone call you are charged a minimum 10¢ per minute and on top of that you may not even get through. For cell phone companies the cost of texting is minimal and may eventually lead to an even smaller text bill. In some countries, such as the Philippines text messaging has become one of the most popular methods of communication and has become far cheaper than a phone call, costing only pennies to text.

Noisy Environments
With the rise of cell phones and personal listening devices in public areas there is also the invasion of the noise space of the masses. Loud obnoxious calls can be erased by a simple text message. Unlike having a conversation on your cell phone while taking the train or in a crowded area and allowing everyone to hear your conversation, simply texting your friend or family member allows for a quieter way to communicate. The problem is similar to that of listening to your musical devices turned way up, everyone can hear it, while with text messaging the noise is significantly reduced and makes for a more pleasant public environment where everyone is not included and able to hear the entire conversation someone is having over the phone. The hearing impaired are also significantly helped with the aid of text messaging. The relatively new method of text messaging allows people to effectively communicate with the hearing impaired via cell phone.

Convenience
Simply by pressing a few buttons a quick message or reminder can be sent without the need for waiting for the other side to pick up, and then waiting to leave a message after an annoying answering machine message. This is also helpful when not wanting to disturb the other party that you want to relay a message with. By sending a text the reason you are contacting the other person is readily accessible and the person being contacted is able to respond when they have time. Blackberries and personal planners with the full Qwerty keyboard, such as the ones on computer keyboards, have increased the convenience of text messaging. Allowing busy business men and women to keep in contact with work, by receiving emails as well as being able to quickly relay messages about unexpected changes in schedules is part of the convenience of text messaging. The T9 function on regular cell phones also enable this method of communication, however it is not as convenient as the full Qwerty keyboard.

Language Deterioration
The popularity of text messaging is becoming increasingly large and people are beginning to lose the proper use of grammar and spelling. Text messaging on cellular phones has altered the way we communicate with each other. Even though text messaging has its many disadvantages, one of its largest is that because its use is so convenient and fast, abbreviations and the improper use of English is being commonly practiced. With the options of using different types of text-ing methods (such as the QWERTY board or the sure-tap with the T9 option), people end up shortening words or relying on the T9 option to explicitly spell for them. This type of reliance leaves us with a rapidly diminishing knowledge of the English language.

Dependency
While the convenience and efficiency of TM's outweigh the many unconsidered implications; societies dependency on digital communication has become so extreme, the physicality of individuals are becoming more isolated and introverted with less requirement for social interactions in the world. Constantly keeping in touch with peers using SMS for long conversations can mean losing touch with ones self and valuable life experiences.

Miscommunication between the sender and receiver are very common, although emoticons and various symbols can be inserted into the TM, the digital format loses the personal touch and sometimes even the intended message. Because SMS is considered quick and efficient, it holds great popularity. Corresponding in person for a few moments can bring more clarity and understanding than a lengthy period of back-and-forth digital correspondence. The voice of a person offers expression, tone, and more meaning than a string of text can.

Distraction
In modern society it is very uncommon to not see people constantly using cell phones in public places with voice and SMS capabilities. Because TMs are so discreet mobiles can easily be turned to ‘vibrate’ or ‘silent’ modes enabling communication during otherwise "busy times" such as while at work, in class or in transit.

Attempting to multi-task while corresponding via SMS is very distracting and has limited sucess. Although one may feel their 'silent' correspondence is respectful of others it is equally distracting to anyone nearby observing the frantic pressing of keys, and illuminated screens. While devoted focus is easily broken by an incoming or outgoing SMS, it is rude and disrespectful to nearby observers, especially when already engaged in a conversation or lecture.



Using SMS technology has become so second nature for some they are comfortable sending TM's while driving down a busy road. Legislation in America has been implemented against driving a vehicle while operating a hand-held device such as a mobile-phone. In Virginia, roadside signage was required to remind drivers not to use SMS specifically while driving. Sending a TM as an immediate thought arises can be very convenient, however the dangers arising from distraction while driving can also be very significant, so being fully attentive to the road and physical reality should remain a priority. Canada should consider similar legislation to ensure driver safety and reinforce international standards of non-cell phone usage while driving.

E-waste
Society has become increasingly dependent upon electronic products and digital communication like SMS for convenience and effectiveness, however as the technology advances older models inevitably become obsolete and less desirable, often getting thrown out instead of recycled.

When mobile phones or other technology with TM capabilities are not recycled harmful plastics, metals and chemicals can be introduced into the environment. To eliminate the need for landfills and reuse valuable materials consider recycling and evaluate your relationship with plastics. The mobile compost in Sweden claims that one tonne of mobile phones contains 1kg of silver and 300g of gold making the recycling of dated electronics like mobiles very profitable.

Conclusion
Language is multifunctional with many possible interpretations. Although SMS is a convenient and effective way to supplement communication with peers it is not an ideal replacement. Not everyone uses TM technology, however we are all implicated by the recent shift of societies growing dependency on digital communication methods like SMS. Poor grammar and patience are no longer required when using SMS technology features like QWERTY and PTT making "keeping in touch" more effortless and viable in a fast-paced modern society.

SMS has inevitably modified our culture, environment and communication, its growing popularity and widespread usage can be attributed to the many related advantages including: low cost, efficiency, mobility and convenience. Should an individual already be a mobile phone user they are aware of the large discrepancy in cost between air-time and TM's making SMS an attractive and affordable alternative to making voice phone calls.

Since the first SMS sent in 1992 the recorded amount of TM's sent globally has increased with the advancement in technology capabilities. Although the population of North America is less than Southeast Asia and Europe, SMS is equally popular with a continuously growing client base from the many emerging mobile and gaming devices with SMS capabilities, and increasingly competitive service provider plans. SMS is not simply a trend but here to stay therefore one can only anticipate the future of this multi-faceted communicative technology.