Could Someone Please Tell Me Why???....
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
October 18, 2008 12:01am CST
People use their cell phones more to text messages than actually talk on the phone?
I'm not a great fan of the cell phone..I don't even have one anymore and frankly I don't miss it. If I want to make a phone call, I have my landline phone at home...If I'm desperate and I'm outdoors somewhere I can find a public phone. I can see cell phones being a great necessity and aid in an emergency situation...like being stuck somewhere on the road and out of gas maybe and needing to call the spouse to let the other know one is going to be late. But these people who have phone conversations jon the street for all to hear is a bit much I think. Like do I really want to hear how someone's date went the night before and if the person slept with the other person? Sheesh.
But.......
That isn't what this initial discussion is about.
My question is, why do people seem to text message people instead of actually CALLING them? It's so much more effort to do all that texting than talking to the person
How about you who own cell phones...do you text message more than talk on the phone itself?
33 people like this
114 responses
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
18 Oct 08
Text messaging is almost free...
While calls are very expensive on a mobile.
Text messaging was design to encourage every teenager to buy a mobile phone.
Want to know why people are broke?
The mobile phone that you cannot live without is one of the reasons. lol
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 08
It's not just teenagers that are busy text messaging though while walking out on the street. walking down any given street in my area I'm just about the only one not with a cell phone. I have to duck and swerve around people otherwise they walk right into me since they are so busy texting
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
19 Oct 08
Any smart person only use his mobile to receive calls.
They only call when it is an emergency... or related to business.
When it comes to friends and family... they use text messaging.
Besides that... the new trend has been for people to text message while driving their car.
Now... this would have to be the most dangerous thing you can possibly do while driving a car. And anyone doing that must have sh*t for brain.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
20 Oct 08
You probably didn't hear then as it happened in Calif...about a month ago, there was a terrible train crash...the motorman/conductor had failed to notice the track signal change and collided with another train..why? Cause it was determined that he was texting on his phone...
@seabeauty (1480)
• United States
18 Oct 08
I don't have a cell phone but I don't understand it either. Its more effort to look at the keypad to find the letters. It's not like you are typing on a Keyboard where you could type a bit faster.
I think people text when they are in a place where they don't want people to hear their conversation like say at work or any public place.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
21 Oct 08
Yes it does seem that it takes more effort to text a message than just talk in a phone.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
18 Oct 08
Many plans now offer unlimited texting for a small fee which does not use up your talk (day) minutes so many people prefer to text. There are times when it is ideal to text, when your on a crowded train or bus and you don't have the privacy to talk or because there is just too much noise to hear your caller. There are also other places where you might be unable to make a voice call so texting is quite and does not disturb anyone. Then you have the times when you just feel like sending a little "I love you" or "thinking of you" message to someone special without having to make a voice call. It has it's advantages. There are times to make a voice call and times to send a text message. I must admit I do NOT use the texting abbreviations that the younger people use. I tell my nieces and nephews to spell everything out when texting me, I am not into all those short codes.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Oct 08
Mmm..yup I can see you point there...but did you know they are finding out people are developing arthritic conditions from texting so much? LOL
I belong to several game sites ...I go there to unwind after writing so much. They have options where members can text each other....don't ask how long it took me to figure out what ty,tya, wtg, w, yw gg, u rk meant.....(thank you,thank you all, way to go, welcome, your welcom, great going, you rock)
2 people like this
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
18 Oct 08
I often think the same thing. Maybe I'm just old, I don't know. But I haven't even used my cell phone in about 5 months now. Yes I have one, but for me its for emergencies. If you've ever had to go thru a hurricane evacuation you know why its needed.
I've found out thru my son who LOVES to text that its often because they can't talk where they are, or they are busy and want to just sent a text thru. My son text messages his friends at times thruout his day at work. Only because he isn't allowed to have a phone ring or talk on it during work. Apparently texting during slow times is ok.
As for me, I don't even know if my phone CAN text. LOL And if IT can, I don't know how to send one. But then I never learned how to use the little camera thing on it either. Its amazing, I can do wonderful things with a computer. But yet I can't work a cell phone well enough to use its features, or program my VCR, or even the radio stations in my car stereo. Oh, and voice mail? I had to have my son set it up for me. LOL
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
21 Oct 08
I don't think I could ever get used to texting lingo...I know it's for speed and all but I guess I like the english language too much and can't make heads or tales of text shortcuts. Mmmm....I like to think I'm savvy on technical/electronics too, but a microwave? A friend gave me one (a year ago) and never used it..somehow it intimidates me...LOL
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
21 Oct 08
Oh wow, I can't imagine not using a microwave. I use my microwave often more than my stove. It makes the best steamed veggies and rice. My mother in law was like that though. I think the only thing she ever used hers for was for her nasty instant coffee. She never cooked in it or even reheated things. Was so silly to keep it just for coffee. LOL
1 person likes this
@blackcatbetty (555)
• United States
18 Oct 08
I will often text during the day because I have unlimited test messaging and I do not like to use my mins so much . I got roped in with the text messaging because friends would message me and cost me loads of money so it was cheaper to go with a plan . I do not use a home phone yet . My cell bill is outrageous enough. I feel safer walking and busing having a cell. If there is an emergency I have it on hand and it is very useful . If I could afford it I would have a land line also but for now I will keep my cell.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 08
I just never got into the whole cell phone thing...LOL. Yes I can see one feeling safer having a cell phone while out or traveling in case some emergency crops up. What I can't stand are those that are so busy texting while walking on the street that they walk right into me...
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
18 Oct 08
oh I so agree with you, I have a friends who only ever texts, on one night she sent me about 5 text messages, I ansewered her first couple then got sick of that so I rang her, it actually took me awhile to work it all out, so much easier to phone...
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 08
That does sound outlandish to do so many texts like your friend did when it'd be easier to phone.
@SViswan (12051)
• India
18 Oct 08
I got my first cell phone just a few months back. I didn't need one till then because I was home and had a landline. But I use my phone only when necessary...especially when I am in public.
As far as your question goes, I save money by texting. I can get all my points across with one SMS which will cost me Re.1 whereas if I had to call the person and tell them all that I had to tell (not to mention their replies too) it would probably cost me Rs5 or more.
Well, that's why I text message. Can't say the same about everyone, though.
2 people like this
@SViswan (12051)
• India
20 Oct 08
Oh yes...I would be annoyed too. I avoid using the phone in public...unless it's something urgent and I don't walk around with it. I usually stop somewhere and talk and keep the conversation to a minimum....especially since I don't want the whole world listening in on me...and as far as texting goes...I can't concentrate on texting and walking at the same time.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
20 Oct 08
I tend to think it's a bit silly though to be texting while people are walking on the streets like they do in my area...don't ask how many people collide into me since they're so busy texting they're not watching where they're walking...now that annoys me no end...LOL
@MissGia (955)
• United States
18 Oct 08
I am much like you in the fact that i'm not a fan of cell phones. Heck, i don't even like talking on the phone at home; why would i want to buy a cell phone, lol.
I really don't know why people do. I personally hate having to type out texts on a cell phone..takes forever for me.Saying it over the phone would be much quicker, but whatever floats peoples boats is what i say.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Oct 08
I hardly talk on the phone at home either...LOL...Just never been a phone user..Now my friend is another story...a short phone conversation for her is two hours!
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
18 Oct 08
I have an inexpensive $10.00 a month cell phone, no contracts and no frills. I have never texted on it and only have it for emergencies.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 08
Good for you..you sound reasonable. don't you think most people with cell phones take the concept of "reaching out and touch someone" a bit far? LOL
@bobbyd37 (81)
• United States
19 Oct 08
i dont even use a cellphone anymore.too expensive.i would have to use the hands free type if i ever use one again.the regular non-hands free type produces harmfull radioactive waves that cause brain tumors and stuff like that i heard.
someone mentioned about $10 a month.that sounds pretty good.eventually perhaps,when i get a new hands free type and find a $10 a month deal,i'll go with that if i feel i absolutely have to have one for whatever really important reason,otherwise,i'm just fine and dandy without bothering with any kind of cell phones.
i used to have one for awhile but i found that it was costing too much and i was hardly ever having to use it anymore and i was still having to pay alot so,i dumped the plan and said adios to cellphones.i may still get one though if there is an urgent need to have one.the only type i'll ever use again is the hands free type though.
@NiceCezle (57)
• Philippines
22 Oct 08
simple... its much cheaper to text than calling on the cellphone
@eaforeman6 (8979)
• United States
21 Oct 08
I have never sent a text message. I use my mobil phone for calls to the family only. I would rather just talk. I probaly will never send any text messages. I just sont use it if I really dont need to.I have enough buttons to push and enough to do without adding that to the list. Most of the people that I communicate with, would rather just call anyway!
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
20 Oct 08
hi pye I m taking time out from sorting and p acking,I really get so sick of this texting stuff, I dont have a clue as to what a lot of the shorthand means, and I dont intend to learn, I really dont like cellphones tho I guess in an emergency they are handy.but why text when you can talk, unless people just love to mangle the english language like u for you and ppl for people. I even see a lot of younger people here using these abbreviations for real words in their discussions. lol I dont own one nor do I want to. lol.
3 people like this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
18 Oct 08
Hey pye, I wonder the same thing. It seems to be an awful
lot of work to sit there texting someone. Wouldn't it
be alot easier to just call them? Doesn't make any sense
to me. And texting isn't all that cheap. In fact it costs
almost as much as talking of the phone so I really don't
get it! I though it was free or just really cheap, but it
isn't! Everytime I'm on the bus that's all I see is
people texting, or talking on the cells as you said about
things that I really don't want or need to hear! I guess
in that case I'd rather have them texting. At least it's
alot quieter!
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
18 Oct 08
Yes one is charged for texting...I remember that when I did have a cell phone and it does amount to the same costs. Since I'm not familiar with text language it took me awhile to get some of the abbreviations ...I belong to a few game sites where one can text messages while playing...for instance it finally dawned on me what ty meant...thank you....LOL or w for welcome...or wtg...way to go...sheesh
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
21 Oct 08
It seems though some people spend their whole day/night just texting though
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 08
Well that is a good reason to have a cell phone for emergency use only...but most people seem to live on the phone now don't you think?
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
18 Oct 08
Texting is much cheaper than calling. So that;s why most people use text messages instead of calling. I agree with you that texting requires more effort. Personally I prefer texting. I found online sites where I can send free texts and it saves me from trying to find the letters on a tiny keypad. © ronaldinu 2008
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 08
I just can't help thinking the whole texting thing is weird when people are walking out on the street and not even paying attention to where they are walking.
@sharra1 (6340)
• Australia
18 Oct 08
Actually I agree with you on the use of cell phones. I do not like them and I only keep one for emergencies. We live out in the country and if the car breaks down then we need a cell phone to call for help.
As to people texting their friends, it is more difficult than calling but it is much cheaper and silent. Have you noticed how the young are not only fast at texting but they have developed their own abbreviated language to do it faster. People will text when they are in a situation where they cannot call or the person is not answering but I think the main reason is that text messages are much cheaper and you can get special plans where they gets lots of cheap text messages in stead of calls.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 08
I've seen text message "lingo" and have a lot of problems trying to understand it...LOL. It also kind of encourages people to forget how to write words normally I think
1 person likes this
@jdyrj777 (6528)
• United States
24 Oct 08
I have a cell phone that i take with me everywhere. Im self employed so its necessary to have. When i added internet to my cell phone there was a package deal that included long distance and texting. I thought long distance ok coz i have family in another state. I honestly never thought i would use the texting. But i do use that now more than actual talking coz i have a basement apt. Having a phone conversation is very difficult coz of choppy conversation and dropped calls. With texting i get every word. So when people text me while im away from home i just text them back. Also difficult having conversation while in a checkout line or at the register, etc. Or getting on or off a bus.
@lchawqword (58)
• China
18 Oct 08
That is depends on the personal intrest relish.In my opinion,someone that likes text message with cell phone has three reasons.
1,they can make comfortable to talk when some words dont inconvenience talking;
2,they can consume time when they are boring;
3,it is cheaper
so I like text message.my friend who own cell phone mostly like text message too.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
20 Oct 08
Yes I can see texting messages a great idea for people who are bored while waiting on a long line somewhere
@ShebaPac (5)
• United States
21 Oct 08
I both talk and text. I also use my phone for IM and email (I have a blackberry pearl for this purpose). When I'm at work, or other place where talking would be inappropriate/rude/possibly cause problems, texting is invaluable. Also, I have friends on other networks that it costs me minutes to talk to, but we all have unlimited text.
2 people like this
