Text dating
A study at the University of Bath found that texting was the preferred medium for flirting and arranging dates. 62% of females compared to 52% of males are comfortable arranging a first date by text. A third of boys and a quarter of girls saw no reason not to end a relationship by text.

Professor Helen Haste says, ‘texting is replacing speech for much communication among young people. It is immediate, accessible, private and gives them unprecedented control over how they communicate with friends and family.’

Lecturers texting
It’s not just the students who are texting, the lecturers have also realised the benefits. The staff at Wolverhampton University are now sending students revision tips, timetables, appointment times and coursework feedback using mobile phone texting.

This method of communication is beneficial to both parties; the university saves money as texting is cheaper than snail mail and it saves the student time. It is no longer necessary to travel into campus to check notice boards.

Social issues texting
Base 25 is a Wolverhampton charity offering advice on relationships and health issues. They use texting to communicate with their audience. Rob Willoughby from Base 25 explains, ‘it makes sense to use a medium which our target market is very comfortable with.

Regardless of social class, 96% of young people own a mobile phone. We have found that we now have more boys using the service which may be because text messaging enables anonymity which makes it easy for them to ask for help.’ Texting has also been used as a cry for help. A potential suicide victim not wanting to talk, sends a text instead.

Schools texting
Parents are kept in the know at a Scottish secondary school. Keith Grammar school is using texting to provide parents with regular updates on pupil’s progress. Rector John Aitken said the intention is to praise positive attitudes to work or behaviour but it will also be used to highlight any problems.

One parent commented that, ‘I know from speaking to other parents that the scheme is welcomed. People are busy nowadays and this can tell us what is going on, wherever we are.’

It seems lots of people are finding innovative uses for texting.

Nelly
December/January 2005

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