Text messaging

Text messaging, also known as texting, is the act of composing and sending electronic messages, which typically consist of alphabetic and numeric characters, between two or more users of mobile devices, desktops/laptops, or another type of computer that is compatible. Texting can also be shortened to "texting." Text messages may either be sent via a cellular network or over an Internet connection. Both methods are used nowadays.

Originally, the phrase referred to communications that were carried out over the Short Message Service (SMS). It has evolved to include not only alphanumeric text but also multimedia messages sent through the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) that contain digital images, videos, and sound content; ideograms known as emoji (which include happy faces, sad faces, and other icons); and instant messenger applications (usually the term is used when on mobile devices).

Text messages are sent for a variety of reasons, including personal, familial, professional, and social ones. Text messaging is used for internal communication between employees at both governmental and non-governmental organisations. In the 2010s, sending brief casual messages became an acceptable element of many societies, much in the same way that emailing had been an accepted part of previous generations. Because of this, texting is a fast and simple method to interact with friends, family, and coworkers, even in situations when a phone call would be rude or improper. Texting, much like e-mail and voicemail, does not need the sender and receiver to both be free at the same time; hence, it enables contact even amongst people who are very busy. This is in contrast to phone conversations, in which the caller intends to talk directly with the recipient. Text messages may also be used to engage with automated systems, such as to place an order for goods or services from an online retailer or to take part in a competition that is held online. Instead of utilising postal mail, email, or phone, advertisers and service providers are increasingly turning to direct SMS marketing as a means of communicating with mobile consumers of upcoming sales, payment due dates, and other important information.