Although text messaging started out as a teen craze, it’s not just the
under-24s who are hooked. From organising mass demonstrations to
confessing undying love, the power of text messaging knows no limits,
according to WAN2TLK?’s author, Gabrielle Mander. The text messager is
either trying to be fun and amusing or discreet,” she says.
Social psychologist Dr Adam Johnson believes text messages provide an uninhibited form of
communication and that we’re much more likely to flirt as a result. “Hidden aspects of ourselves surface
because of the visual anonymity involved with texting,” he says.
Gabrielle Mander believes men are especially comfortable with text messaging as it allows them to
be more romantically open. “Men don’t like being overheard or talking about their feelings face to face,”
she explains. “They won’t say, I love you,’ on the phone, but they will in a text message; “Women also
enjoy the discreet appeal of texting. “ A text message can’t be overheard like a phone call. And you can
destroy the evidence quickly,” says Mander.
Text messagers around the world now share jokes, secrets and feelings- but from a safe distance.
According to Dr Adam Johnson, text messagers can be insecure, shy or needy. “Sometimes they’re
desperate to receive messages that give them security or comfort,” he explains