The NY Times is kind of behind the times if they think that the “secret language of texting” new. An article on texting and teens — posted in Sunday’s paper — was kind of amusing because while I agree that the way in which kids interact socially is increasingly mediated by technology, I think texting is pretty much a variation of passing notes in class. I suppose the difference is that while passing notes was confined to a classroom or other large social setting, texting is everywhere — and, truth be told, annoying. I admit to sending texts, but because I’m old, I don’t habitually use the medium to communicate. I even abhor email for various reasons — especially at work. I would say that barring a face to face conversation, I have found that the best way to communicate with people is by picking up the phone and calling them. But hey, you run the risk of other people listening to your conversations — iykwim. 😉
4 thoughts on “Kids and Their Code”
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I’ve been an IM’er for over 10 years, and I can easily say that my typing skills have gotten faster (not exactly more accurate though… CARP! is my signature goof with J)
My co-workers have recently gotten me into texting on the phone (SMS style). They have cool phones like you, so they do it ever so smoothly. I don’t know how, but they can even text me in the middle of a meeting and not be noticed. Of course me with my not so cool phone, it is blatantly obvious when I look at the message.
I don’t use many abbreviations though. I guess that makes me old.
I love the IM thing, but texting is beyond me. I’m lame at it, and it takes me forever to just type out “Hi”, or something equally short. Sigh. Kids these days. 😉
I wonder with the iPhone and full keyboards becoming more popular on so-called “smart phones,” if the “secret language” of texting will fall out of fashion…only to resurface 10 years from now on VH1’s “I Love the 2000s.”
I’ve gotten so good at it I can do it while driving… oooh… did I say that out loud?