I have been using my phone for a long time. I have not changed my number since college. I have now two numbers to connect using two (2) different networks and make most out of their features and promos to save up on loads.
Especially with my Sun number, I can have unlimited number of texts to other people (using the same network) for a month with cheaper amount compared to other networks. I believe I have to thank telecommunication competition for their budgeted promos to garner more subscribers. :D
Recently I learned the value of constantly holding on my phone. I know I’m already a social network addict. My personal and work life are tightly tied up with the Internet too. So I’m constantly updated to what is happening to my friends’ lives, their moods, their activities, etc. For me, nothing beats the spontaneous charge of remembering with forwarded texts, funny quotes and even a “Hey, can we meet later?” Even if I have to turn down the invite, the fact that I am remembered makes the text worthwhile. So I’ll make it up in some form or another. It’s already understandable not one can be physically there for someone 24/7. Thank goodness for the gift of technology, communication is easier nowadays.
Though at times, I feel text messaging and cellphone ownership has its drawbacks.
1. You don’t have an excuse to be late or have to right to give the excuse of being late. You have the phone to give the reason beforehand as courtesy to the person waiting for you. For the person running late, it may be a tedious task but I deem it as text courtesy. Would you do otherwise to your BOSS? And yet many still go about being late because texting can give access to last minute changes of plans.
2. Just a few weeks ago, I had short dinner with some girl friends at a nearby restaurant. I was up for some girl gossips, personal anecdotes and such but I ended up waiting for them to finish their phone conversations, text messages and their network’s customer service inquiries. All in one sitting. Imagine that. Ahahaha! I wasn’t angry but I felt a bit awkward with all these technological interferences to our girl bonding moment. It was all good at the end. I ended up bagging a lot of gossip. :D
3. New breeds of texting lifestlye comes into society. ‘Jejemon’, ‘Tetemon’ and who knows what else in the near future. I don’t find them cheap but these text messaging lifestyle can hinder the progress of individuals trying to make a good use of their time other than trying to decipher code-like texts in their busy schedules. Also, people like me, will politely ask ‘jejemon’ texters to re-text their messages in layman’s terms for me to comprehend. So if you know your friend is not much into these new text lifestyles, spare them (and yourself) the time and load.
4. It can prove to be a form of distraction when in the middle of work, you get this text message that could either make you smile, cry or be angry. I know this since I’m a victim myself. Ahahaha!
5. New phone models give a wide array of features you can get information overload. And avail more form of distraction from your tasks.
6. Accidents happen especially with people crossing the street, driving, walking by the sidewalk, etc. while texting away. People need their senses focused on activities especially when outside. Chin up people, you might be run over!
7. The fact new models can also provide access to emails, online bookmarks, todo-lists, business contacts, etc. if you are the individual with too many work requirements, you might have your stress meter up to the stratosphere. You can be reached ‘ANYWHERE’. Bahumbug.
Well, there is no perfect invention to the world right? All things in this world has drawbacks. We need to learn how to control these societal advances to bring about a form of order in our lives.
To cap off this article, I found this ‘crazy’ text messaging commercial. I think the abbreviation is too much but hey, who knows, someone may actually be like that. Haha!
Text Messaging
Happy texting people!
