FRAMINGHAM, Mass.-Nearly as many U.S. teens acquired their cell phones primarily for text messaging as for talking, according to a study from consultant firm IDC Corp. and text-messaging provider SMS.ac.
The poll of 8,000 teens found that 36 percent of respondents bought their phones to send text messages, while 49 percent said chatting with friends was the main reason they got their phones. The study also found that boys were more inclined to use text messaging than girls, while girls were more likely to have purchased their handsets to call family or to use in emergencies.
“Unlike any technology before it, cell phones have become important social catalysts for teenagers,” said Dana Thorat, an IDC research manager. “While parents can rest assured that they can reach their mobile teenagers virtually any place and any time, teens conversely perceive their phones as a means for gaining social acceptance and staying connected with friends.”
