By Erik Qualman
A Nielsen Study on Under-Aged Text Messaging in the U.S. reveals the following:
+ American teenagers are using 3,146 text messages a month
+ Teenagers send more than 10 text messages per hour [not sleeping or in school]
+ Under 12 segment sends 1,146 text messages per month
+ Under 12 segment sends more than 4 text messages per hour [not sleeping or in school]
The increase usage may correlate to price. It was found due to “all-you-can-eat” data plans that wireless customers are actually paying roughly 1 penny per message. Depending how Nielsen reports, in the future, texting may decline as teens update via social media platforms like Facebook, Foursquare, and Twitter. Nielsen may roll these into one, but it’s nice to see them separated.
Not surprising, especially when we’re talking about working adults who have access to social media on their workstation. It’s also much more economical and interactive when using Facebook or Twitter to communicate with friends.
Text message was a thing of the past.
I wonder if Nielsen covers countries outside the US to capture socially relevant cultural factors. I believe the text number for Italy was 4 billion (between under 12 segment and their moms, =D), and that was 3 years ago.
Jeannette:
That is a great point! I bet this data is only US centric. If you look at countries like Colombia and Venezuela these kids live on Blackberry Messenger (prefer over Droid/iPhone).
TGIF!
equalman
One word. WOW.
WOW is right Taylor. What’s going to happen in 10 years?
Thanks for reading!
Erik
Times sure have changed! I wasn’t even allowed a cell phone until I had my license! Text messaging has become more convenient, however. I find myself texting more than calling. Quick and to the point! Thanks for sharing the statistics!
Don’t text & drive!
Holy cow have times changed!
Cheers, equalman
Wow! What kind of responsible parents are those people?! “Under 12 segment sends more than 4 text messages per hour [not sleeping or in school]” Erik, at which age will get your child the first cell?
Timeea:
That is a scary question! When she is ready, which might be 3 or 4 since there are iPhone educational applications. My 4 year old nephew knows how to program and use the DVR. Incredible.
equalman