The Short Message Service (SMS), more usually known as the text messaging and is currently the most used mobile phone service. Frantic wrist action is enjoyed around the globe, even to the point of etiquette, as consumers are spotted texting in restaurants and bars, at weddings and in meetings or in short in every occasion of life. The semi-anonymity of ‘text' seems the vital factor of its high altitude popularity, as it provides a comfortable amount of distance, but allows almost instant way of communication. The world of SMS is growing so rapidly that many people are of the opinion that text will overtake talk as the most cost-effective form of communication. It could be argued that a great percentage of mobile users find "text" easier and perhaps less embarrassing to articulate their thoughts in a more profound manner. Many intimate confessions can be communicated by text, including the recent escapades of Paris Hilton and Charlotte Church.

The recent research suggests that introverts prefer texting as they have the opportunity to think about what to express, removing the pressure of articulating an instance response. Some users also find text a useful time-saving medium by removing the opportunity for small-talk session. With text, the mobile users can get straight to the point, much praised by people who simply do not enjoy talking on the phone for a long.

Text opportunities are really endless. The Live 8 ticket lottery was a very high profile use of text messaging. Over 26 million people from different walks of life took part in the text messaging campaign this month to support the work of Live 8. Throughout the concerts, viewers were urged to send SMS consisting of their names in order to strengthen the message sent to the acclaimed world leaders. As text is such a convenient and potential option, many believe that this campaign was more successful than the conventional phone-in campaign would have been. The appeal posed little threat for the public viewers, who sitting in the comfort of their own homes, could easily reach for their mobile phone and interact with the Live 8 campaign in a lively manner. Furthermore, the lucky concert attendees were encouraged to send a quick text in among dancing to the live acts. As this took very little time and effort the response rate to the text appeal was really phenomenal.

There are many companies who are eager to exploit entertainment products and packages through mobile phones. The infotainment industry, particularly radio and reality TV shows, is continuing to cash in on this popular method of communication by engaging more and more viewers to text in and express their opinion. Hit TV shows, such as Big Brother, Pop Idol and Celebrity Love Island, are inundated with freely expressed texts from the public wishing to save their favourite person. Other media companies promote the text messaging as a convenient way to enter competitions. Text messages ease the tedious routine of entering a competition via the costly phone call, where engaged lines and automated instructions are inevitable. The SMS messages are also faster and less hassle than snail mail and often more cost-effective.

The most advanced form of text messaging, dubbed the XHIBIT, involves witnesses in criminal court cases automatically receiving a text when they are due to appear in the court of law. Many have a positive nod this easy method, claiming it effectively reduces the time witnesses of crime have to spend waiting around in court. This is also in place to support the police force and investigating agency, who claim that less time is wasted in the court through this advanced technology. Research suggests that XHIBIT text could save 80,000 police days on an average per year.

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