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Oct 5, 2001
Sending text messages here in the U.S. is still in it's infancy, and people would rather use direct connect (through Nextel) or they just directly call each other instead of sending SMS (Short Messaging Service). It is completely the opposite in the Philippines. Everywhere you go, people are holding their cellphones, speedily typing away (I don't understand how they can multi-task like that, putting make up on the other hand, and texting a co-worker on the other.) Everyone has a cellphone, if you don't have one, you're considered 'out'. No matter where you go, you hear all sorts of beeps (they indicate that a message was either received or sent), phones ringing, and people typing effortlessly. I think it is a big skill to type into those tiny phones. People who are window shopping in the malls, are oftentimes seen glued to their cellphones, sending and receiving text. It's like no one is talking anymore, everyone is very busy looking at their cellphones. I realized the impact of the text messaging craze that hit the Philippines when I went back to the Philippines for the first time after being gone for almost a year. All of a sudden, everyone owns a cellphone. Everywhere I look, people's hands are occupied with those tiny cellphones. No wonder the Philippines has been branded as the "Texting Capital of the World". I now understand why. It almost seems like it is an addiction. It is also a trend in high school and college students (maybe even some grade schoolers!!) These phones are not cheap in anyway, yet, everywhere and anywhere, you see cellphones. The way people type is also affected. For example: What is usually typed "Wat". So if I was texting my friend, I'd type "wat do u wnt?". People type "Like" as "Lyk". So If I wanted to say I like rice, I'd type "I lyk rice." These are just examples. CUL8R, 4EVR, BCNU.... these are just some of the usual acronyms that 'texters' use. Overall, I don't think there's anything wrong with text messaging, just keep it in moderation (anything too much is dangerous!), don't do it while driving, and try not to write in 'text speak' when you send email. One more thing, don't text when you're working =)
As for me, I have a cellphone with text messaging capability, yet, I only send text messages to 1 or 2 of my friends on a sporadic basis. I don't have the skill to type with one hand on a small cellphone keypad, so I'd rather just call them up on the phone. Now if you'll excuse me, I just received a text message.
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