Metablog

"Y do tngrs luv 2 txt msg?"

“y do tngrs luv 2 txt msg?” by Grinter and Eldridge examines text message use among teenagers, attempting to sketch out typical patterns of usage and identify reasons for its popularity. The paper describes a study in which 10 teenagers in the UK recorded the details of their text messaging activity in logs. Data from the study is then analyzed in view of the questions: What do teenagers use messaging for? Why do they pick text messaging?

Among the findings:

-Teenagers use text messaging for 1) Arranging times to chat and Adjusting arrangements, 2) Coordinating plans with friends, 3) Chatting and gossiping, and 4) Coordinating with family.

-Teenagers pick text messaging because it is cheaper, quicker, and more convenient than other forms of communcation.

The paper goes on to suggest that text messaging makes new kinds of communication possible and changes the ways in which teenagers converse. For example, the terseness inherent in text messaging makes it possible to have short, blunt conversation. Text messaging also makes it possible to communicate in places or contexts where teenagers previously could not have conversations (in theatres, in the classroom, etc). Finally, the paper points out some problems with text messaging. These include problems that arise from its associated specialized language, difficulty in determining intent from content, and mis-addressed messages.

Some comments and questions:
-The paper examines why text messaging is popular with teenagers, pointing out that it is cheap, quick, and convenient. It does not, however, address why text messaging tools are relatively unused by adults. It seems that these very same factors would be important to adults as well. Then why is it that text messaging is relatively unpopular with adults?? Also, why hasn’t it taken off in the US?

I felt like the explanations for why teenagers pick text messaging to be a bit under whelming. Sure, it may be quicker and cheaper—but only marginally so. And, for example, is it really necessary to text message someone to arrange a time for a voice call?? It seems like there are other and more subtle reasons for the popularity of text messaging.

I'm not sure this makes sense, but the dynamics behind why teenagers text remind me a bit of genre theory and the recursive/loop diagram that we discussed last time. Certain factors such as the price and convenience of text messaging influence teenagers to choose text messaging as their communication tool. This then loops back, reinforcing and legitimizing the idea that text messaging is a tool that should be used by teens.