Text messaging or simply “texting” is a common term for short message services (SMS). These messages might be more or fewer than 160 characters, sent through a mobile phone or PDAs. The popularity of text messaging has advantages and disadvantages. It is somehow abused, that it gave rise to some texting etiquette.

Texting is like writing so it has a formal and informal approach. For office mates dealing with bosses or bosses dealing with clients or anything that is about business, it is best to call. If it is a text message, do it formally with the spellings and grammar intact. In other words, for formal text messages, avoid abbreviating.

It is very easy to spread lies in text messages. Some of these are very harmful, when the content is affecting the society. An example is spreading falsely that the pope is dead. When this message circulated, a lot of readers were greatly affected. Text users are therefore advised to be very responsible with the messages they send.

There is also a tendency to be tacky with text messages. Because it is easier to text than say the words out loud, people are bombarded with text messages even against their wishes to be left alone for a while. Therefore, as a matter of respect, learn to stop sending messages when asked to, especially in heated arguments or misunderstandings. Talking in person is still the best approach.

Also avoid using any vulgar words, phrases or terms. The person you’re sending it may be hurt by the way you talk to them on text and if you were in his or her place, you will feel the same. Moreover, give courtesy when replying to a “texter” when he or she had sent you a wrong message by mistake.

In social gatherings, avoid texting when in the middle of a conversation with someone or a group. It appears rude to not give them your full undivided attention. The same goes in classes or seminars. Keep your mobile phones while listening to a lecture. The popularity of texting also brought forth a new etiquette rule when watching movies in the theaters. Moviegoers are advised to turn off their cellular phones or put them in silent mode to avoid distracting the audience when a new message or call comes in.

Keep your mobile phone in silent mode especially at night. An incoming message may disturb the sleep of people beside you. Remember that in the dead silence of the night, even the slightest sound is magnified. Always remember that jokes are made to entertain and inspire people. We should not let jokes put people down and upset them. Make sure that if you forward a joke to other people, they will not get offended. It is a good thing to forward quotes once in a while to assure people that you are still here for them.

A healthy texting tip is to subscribe to a certain network that your family and friends also use. You can save a lot of money by doing this since there are lots of promos that are now available.

Lastly, do not text while driving. It is a very dangerous habit. Keep your eyes on the road when driving. There have been many reported incidents already of drivers figuring in accidents even because of just a few seconds of taking their eyes off the road while they attend to their cellular phones.

At a 2005 Bon Jovi concert at the MCI Center (now the Verizon Center) in Washington, D.C., those who had Sprint or Nextel cell phones were invited to send text messages that were scrolled across a giant screen behind the band. Besides the expected “shout outs” to Jon Bon Jovi, the texts included happy birthday wishes and several marriage proposals. That concert was only one of the signals that the text-messaging revolution was about to begin.

According to the Mobile Data Association, over 2 million text messages are currently being sent every day. As the text message receivers get more sophisticated, about 10 million pictures and video messages are now being sent each week.

Most people use text messaging routinely to communicate with family and friends. A survey found that over half of Americans use text messages to tell someone they loved them or missed them. The same number-2 percent-used text messages either to end a relationship or propose marriage. Many people now have programmed their handheld devices to transfer emails, and even landline telephone messages, to mobile text messages. Some set up their text messaging to receive alerts on news, traffic, and weather.

Text messaging also has a wide range of marketing applications, such as ordering products and services, entering contests, and voting in surveys. Businesses are now using text messaging to reach employees with anything from important developments, to the time of a scheduled meeting.

Since people have become more accustomed to cell phone use, text messages are usually read within 15 minutes of receipt, and responded to within an hour. A big plus is the lack of “junk” text. Because of the sophistication of the delivery systems and the costs associated with mobile messaging, usually texting is sent only to those who have shown an interest in a product or service. By law, opt-out options must be clearly displayed.

As a result, it is estimated that less than 10 percent of text messaging is spam, while as much as 65 percent of email is unwanted and goes directly to the delete basket.