09 Jul 2007

Intro to Text Messaging / SMS

Text Messaging or SMS (short messaging service) is a way to send short messages of up to 160 characters using your cell phone. Most cell phones have this feature. Usually you'll see a "messaging" option on your menu or "send text message" choice in your contacts or address book.

According to a recent (June 2007) Forrester Research report, half of all cell phone subscribers use their phones or mobile devices for something other than just voice services — this indicates a dramatic upswing in text messaging, IM, wireless web, and email. Gen Y leads the way with 78% of 18-26 year-old cell phone subscribers using data services.

Why text vs. talk?

Many people text during the work day rather than call to pass along information or ask a question that doesn't require an immediate answer and because they don't want to disrupt someone's day when they might be in a meeting or on another call.

Of course, any teenager will tell you that text messaging is integral and will even be done while they are sitting in the same room — even when there's no one else there. It's just the modern equivalent of secret codes, invisible ink, and passing notes — just more difficult to intercept.

How do I send a text message?

You can send a text message directly to another cell phone number or usually to an email address simply by entering either the number or email address in the to: field. Many phones also offer the option to send messages from the contact list or address book.

Multi-tap vs. Predictive Text Mode?

Multi-tap is when you press a key multiple times to get to the letter you want. If you look as the keypad of your cell phone (or a regular phone) you'll see letters above the numbers. Tapping the 2 key once will give you the letter "a." Tapping twice will display the letter "b." The 1 key is generally where you'll find your punctuation.

Predictive text mode means you just press the keys corresponding to the letter you want and the software in your phone will guess which word you mean and display the most likely option and provide a list of alternatives to choose from in case you were looking for a different word. For example, to spell "spell" you would just press 77355 and spell appears in the text window. Some people find predictive typing much faster while others think it's easier to tap out their messages. Try both and see which works best for you.

Pre-set messages Some cell phones have the ability to store pre-set messages for easy and quick sending. If you constantly find yourself sending "I'm on my way — I'll be there in 10 minutes" or "See you when you get here" then check to see whether your cell phone has that option and save yourself some time and typing.

What are text messages / SMS used for?

Many schools systems and universities have implemented notification systems to help disseminate information to large groups of people over a wide geographic area (particularly regarding school closings and emergencies).

Amber Alerts are available for free via text message (all participating carriers are waiving all text messaging fees for related messages.)

New services are allowing customers to get their bank balances by text message or be alerted to changes in flight times.

Premium content (some of which requires an additional fee) is also available — including weather and flight updates, concert information, news.

Text messaging can also be used for entertainment, such as entering competitions, voting on television shows (e.g., American Idol), and interactive games also broadcast through television channels.

How much does it cost?

The short answer is that depends on your cell phone carrier and cell phone plan. Check thoroughly with your cell phone plan and your cell phone carrier. Many cell phone plans now include either unlimited text messages or a specific number per month with a cost per message over that allowance (usually ranging from $0.01 to $0.25 per message). Costs can vary wildly and it's easy to lose track of how many messages you are sending and receiving, so you want to check your cell phone plan before you start.

A common option is 300 text messages per month for $5.00. This suits most people (not teenagers) who send and receive an average of 10 text messages or fewer each day.

Dos & Don'ts of Text Messaging

Do keep in mind that other people might not have as many text messages as you (a limited # per month) so if they don't respond right away (or at all) it's not personal.
Don't text while driving — it's about to become illegal in many places, but it's just not safe (and that's not just for teens).
Do be sure who you're sending to — a misdirected message can cause hurt feelings and misunderstandings.
Don't say anything in text you wouldn't say in person — text messages can be saved and retrieved.
Do remember the time — just because you're awake and sending text messages, others might not be.
Don't forget that some people have to pay for incoming text messages — make sure you know if they have an unlimited plan or get charged. If they get charged, only send them a text when you have information they need.
Do know your audience — only use abbreviations your recipient will understand.
Don't try to be one of the kids — while you'll want to understand the slang and abbreviations to know what your kids are saying, don't try to copy it (Remember how lame it was when your parents tried to use your slang?)
Do pay attention to the person in front of you instead of your phone. Excuse yourself if you have to respond to a call or text. (If you're a transplant surgeon, you get a pass, but that's it.)
Don't use text messages to replace conversations that should be done in person.

What does that mean?

This is just a sample of abbreviations and they change constantly. Check the web sites like Teen Chat Decoderfor up to date and more comprehensive slang abbreviations (fair warning — there is some potentially objectionable language in there, but you probably want to be aware of that as well.)

Bff — best friend forever
Btw — by the way
C-P — sleepy
Cul8r — see you later
Ftw — for the win
Idk — I don't know
H2CUS — hope to see you soon
HAK — hugs and kisses
L8r — later
LOL — laugh out loud
NBD — no big deal
OMG — oh my God
Snf — so not fair
TTYL — talk to you later
WFM — Works for Me

Txt-lingo to English Translator