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Text Messaging
Last Updated: January 31, 2013
Definition - What does Text Messaging mean?
Text messaging is the transfer of short messages between two or more fixed or mobile devices. Text messaging devices include mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Text messaging originated with the short message service (SMS), which was derived from radiotelegraphy. Today, text messaging is a critical global communication medium.
Techopedia explains Text Messaging
Because the length of text messages is usually limited to 140 bytes (or 160 seven-bit characters), many words are replaced with numbers and single letters, such as “r u ok” (Are you okay?) and 143 (I love you.).
Example of users and uses of text messaging includes:
- Advertising: Contests and promotions
- Family members, friends and classmates: Keeping in touch
- Groups or organizations: Activity communication
- Political campaigns: Updates to constituents
- Vendor system automation: Ordering products and services
- Vendors: Payment due dates and other notifications
