New tech advances and gadgets enter our lives everyday. Some are trends that come and go quickly, while others have a more lasting presence. One of these lasting innovations began 25 years ago this week. On December 3, 1992, the first text message was sent from a computer to a cell phone. This seemingly modest advance, has forever changed the mobile phone industry and the way we communicate.
Once smart phones hit the market with full keyboards, text messaging soared in popularity. In 2006, 12.5 billion texts were sent monthly. By June of 2017, this monthly number had skyrocketed to 781 billion. Because of this astronomic rise in popularity, unlimited texting has become a necessary component of cell phone plans.
Text messaging has affected other businesses outside of the mobile phone industry. Many businesses now allow ordering via text. Social media and many communications based apps have created their own version of messaging.
To make this simple form of communication even easier, texting has evolved into its own language. Users refuse to be slowed down with typing full words and with this a new form of abbreviation has emerged. Acronyms such as LOL (Laughing Out Loud) and IMO (In My Opinion) have even worked their way into everyday speech.
In today’s busy society, texting far surpasses phone calls in popularity. Many find it to be quicker and easier and much more in line with our instant access mindset. Will texting live to see another 25 years or will a new form of communication find its way to the masses?
