OUR VIEW: Texts dominate communication

AT ISSUE: Text etiquette must be established as texting becomes more common than e-mail as a means of communication

If it seems like your pocket is always vibrating with texts during class, during work or even while you sleep, you're not alone.

A study of about 300 students was released by Ball State University's assistant professor of journalism Michael Hanley concluded cell phones were used for texting 59 percent of the time and voice conversations 9 percent of the time.

When cell phones burst onto the scene, cell phone users experienced growing pains as society formed unwritten rules governing their use.

Talking quietly on a cell phone while riding the bus: acceptable.

Answering a phone call while in a meeting with a professor: unacceptable.

Even movie theaters have disclaimers about cell phones.

But what about texting?

It's quieter, it's easier and it takes only moments.

Is it OK to text while spending time with peers? Family? In an after-hours conversation with a superior?

The lines begin to get hazy.

If there's ever a question about whether texting would be appropriate, air on the side of caution and don't do it.

Stop texting and driving, this can only lead to bad things. Phones with full keypads are becoming more common and pose substantial risks to drivers who have to watch both where their fingers go and make sure the words are correct.

Distractions lead to car crashes. More than likely, the text message won't be worth the amount of money to repair damages caused by swerving into a ditch.

Students aren't fooling anyone while texting in class; professors know who is doing it and the person next to you is probably reading over your shoulder. So put the phone down and pay attention in class.

Texting or talking on the phone while in someone's company is rude. Students should be enjoying face-to-face contact more than relying on handheld devices to stay in touch.

Go for a walk, enjoy the weather when possible. Get out of the residence hall or apartment.

Venture into the world and remember what it's like to enjoy someone's company rather than the beeps and buzzes of a phone.

Stop LOL'ing and start laughing.


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