New research shows that texting is the most popular form of communication among young people.

by Rune H. Rasmussen

A new study by the Pew Research Centre in Washington DC shows that texting among American teenagers has risen dramatically during the last two years. Text messaging is now the most common method of communication for young people, who prefer texting rather than face-to-face conversations, ordinary telephone calls and social networking websites.

One in three teenagers send 100 texts a day
The report from the Pew Research Centre says that 75 percent of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 now own mobile phones, and on average girls send or receive more text messages per day than boys (80 compared to 30). In addition, one in three teenagers send more than 100 texts a day.

Amanda Lenhart, a co-author of the report, said: "Texting is now the central hub of communication in the lives of teens today, and it has really skyrocketed in the last 18 months. The widespread availability of unlimited texting plans has transformed communication patterns of American teens."

The study's authors also say that, unlike phone calls, text messaging can be quietly carried out under the noses of parents, teachers or other authority figures and, unlike computers, it can be done almost anywhere.

Sleep with, or next to, their phone
"We've kind of hit a tipping point where now teens expect other teens to respond to text messaging and to be available," Lenhart said. "There is definitely an element of text messaging that fits so seamlessly into their lives."

In fact, texting has become such an integral part of young peoples' lives that almost 90 percent of those who text said that they sleep with, or next to, their phone.

On the other hand, the study found that phone calls are still teenagers’ preferred method for contacting their parents.

Sources:

BBC News
'Texting eclipses calling' among US teenagers

Telegraph
Teenagers 'prefer texting to talking'

New York Times
Third Of U.S. Teens With Phones Text 100 Times A Day

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