Text messaging etiquette : appropriate and inappropriate uses

Text messaging is a popular feature of our cell phones and is certainly useful to send a short message. It is amazing if you see the statics how many text messages are send every year and it is an important source of income for all the cell phone providers. Text messaging might be easy but you need to be aware of a certain text messaging etiquette. There are appropriate and inappropriate uses of the text messaging system and you can create unpleasant situations and even cause trouble when you don't follow the right text messaging etiquette.

Text messaging is a handy feature but you need to judge if it is really useful in certain situations. It is often easier than making a phone call but you can disturb people and you can also create danger. Here are some appropriate and inappropriate uses of the text messaging system which may help you to send text messages when it is useful:

1. Appropriate uses:

*Sending wishes

Text messaging is useful if you want to send your birthday wishes to your friends, family members, colleagues or some other people who may be important for you. Some may prefer to send e-cards but you might surprise some faster if you send a text message. Most everyone takes their cell phone everywhere they go and they can often read the message immediately.

Wishes for a happy New Year, Merry Christmas, the birth of a child etc. are some other appropriate uses of wishes which you can easy send with text messaging.

*When you travel

If you travel abroad and you want to warn your parents or some other important people you can best send a text message when you arrive on your destination. It is cheaper than making a phone call and you can do it when you arrive in your hotel or even at the airport when you are waiting for your luggage. You can also send a text message if you are a few days on your destination to keep in touch with your family, relatives and even friends. It is maybe best to do it on a place where you don't disturb other people.

*Don't make your text messages too long

Text messaging is a wonderful feature if you use it appropriate. People don't like it when your messages are too long and you best use it only for a short message. It is best you try to make a summary if you want to share a lot of information.

*Urgent messages

It is possible you can't reach certain people immediately by phone because they are in a meeting or they have an appointment where they can't answer your phone call. Text messaging can help you to send a short message and they can read it when they are have time. Maybe you want to leave your family a message that you are later at home than expected or you have some problems with your car and several others reasons. If they read your message they can always call you for more information.

2. Inappropriate uses

*Using the text messaging service in the church, a restaurant, in a meeting can disturb other people. It is best you go to a private place to send a text message and you also best set your tone of your cell phone on "still". A loud tone of your cell phone can be annoying and disturb many people, certainly in public places.

*sending a text message to express condolences

You may never send a text message if you want to express your condolences to somebody. It is not polite and will hurt the feelings of the one you've send the message. It is useful to make a phone call and show your sympathy for the lost person and you might offer some help if necessary.

*sending a text message to end a relationship

It is possible your relationship doesn't work anymore and you want to break up. It is inappropriate to send a text message that you don't want to see her/him anymore. You were in love before and it really necessary to communicate if you want to end your relationship.

*sending personal information in a text message

It can be dangerous if you send personal information, for example your bank account, passwords, address, and financial information to someone else. It may happen you click the send button and the message arrives by someone else and he/she may use your personal information for unwanted uses. Before you know your bank account is robbed and even your passwords can be used to hack several Internet sites. You may never trust someone else to spread such information by text message.

*sending an text message when you are driving

It can be dangerous when you send a text message when you are driving a car. Before you know you are involved in an accident. It is even wrong to call when you are driving. In this situation you are a danger on the road and you may be victim or cause an accident. It is even forbidden by law to call or send text messages when you are driving.

Text messaging is a popular feature and is really useful for many purposes. It is really important you follow certain etiquette for polite behavior and to avoid problems. Your message need to be clear and the place where you send a text message need to be appropriate. Be careful that text messaging will not become an addiction and you need to consider if it is appropriate before you click the send button.