The Benefits of Texting [Infographic]

The arguments of the harmful nature of text messages to social interaction seem to always be front and center. Many feel that texting ruins social skills, writing and spelling skills, and are depleting our attention spans. However, the benefits of texting are examined far less often.

The following infographic gives some representations of the many benefits of texting. And with 82% of he adult population owning some kind of cell phone, it’s high time we start taking and advantage of this useful tool and stop villainizing it.

With the rise of the use of smart phones and the accessibility of information in the palm of our hands, we should really treat the ability to send text messages as a useful skill rather than a potential detrimental trait.

Here are a few benefits that were not mentioned in the infographic:

• If you are unable to place a phone call due to being in a remote location and having spotty coverage, you may be able to send a text message to alert someone to your location and potential distress. This would be particularly helpful if you found yourself kidnapped or trapped in some location and needed assistance.
• If you need and address or directions to a location, when you are sent a text message you have a copy of this saved in your phone. If someone were to call you and tell you, you may not be able to write it down,or you may lose the paper you had written it on.
• Teenagers are willing and even eager to write and read text messages. This should be looked at as a benefit since they are often not eager to read or write otherwise. In reality, even though they are often using shorthand, the youth of the world are becoming more literate because of the social nature of text messages. They don’t even realize that they are improving their language skills. So it’s really a hidden perk.

Whether you have an iPhone, Android, or even just a feature phone, the benefits of text messaging exist and we should highlight and appreciate them.

It’s a digital world and rather than try to fight new technologies, we should appreciate and embrace them. And in particular if you have a teenager that seems to text nonstop, try no to focus on what you feel are negative aspects of this behavior, but instead be proud of the fact that your kid can read and write.

If you’re looking for a little more assistance in coping with a teen wrapped up in social media and texting, try this book:

The Parent’s Guide to Texting, Facebook, and Social Media: Understanding the Benefits and Dangers of Parenting in a Digital World

What are your opinions on texting? Do you think it’s ruining communication? Do you think it is improving reading writing skills for teenagers?