Written by, Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, USA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] – What we’ve already thought was true was just confirmed this week in a new study conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project: texting is the preferred form of communication among teens.

The survey, consisting of phone interviews with 800 teenagers and their parents from June to September 2009, found that those between the ages of 12 and 17 would rather communicate with their friends via text messaging rather than emailing, talking on the phone, or even talking in person.

It was also revealed that the number of teens who text every day increased from 38 to 54 percent from February 2008 to September 2009, with half of those surveyed saying they send at least 50 text messages a day, while one in three send about 100 texts a day.

These days, we didn’t need a study to confirm this for us, but it is interesting to read the statistics. While I was not surprised that most teens would rather text than talk on the phone, I was somewhat shocked to find out that they’d rather text than hang out and talk in person.

However, this phenomenon extends way beyond just teenagers. What can you say for the rest of us twenty-somethings (and, in some cases, those older than that)?

OK, I have to admit that I am an avid texter myself. My Blackberry is never far from my side, and I’d feel lost without it. It really is true what they say about it being called the “Crackberry.” Yet, is there a point when it’s just too much? Old fashioned communication has been replaced by the virtual kind.

The reason texting is preferred over talking on the phone is simple: you can do other things while texting, whereas talking on the phone requires giving your full attention, something that is seemingly hard to comeby these days. You can text while instant messaging, text while checking Facebook, text while watching TV, etc. You get the point. It’s like this virtual world that exists outside of the real world, and, lately, according to this study, the virtual world seems to be replacing reality.

Many times, I’m tired from a long day of work and am just not in the mood to talk on the phone; yet, I have to admit, that good, old-fashioned talking is still the best way to get to know someone. When you text or talk online, you never really know someone’s tone, and miscommunication often occurs. Plus, talking on the phone and in person is much more personal.

My friends are often annoyed by my texting and the sound of my Blackberry going off; yet, when it does, I seem to have to check it. “Was it a text? From who? What about a Facebook event invite? Maybe someone commenting on my status? How about a BBM (Blackberry Messenger)?”

This does all sound rather ridiculous now that I am writing about it. Who cares who commented on my status? Is it really more important than what’s going on right in front of me?

There is this resort in Hawaii called the Kona Village, in which vacationers stay in these romantic little cottages or “bungalows” without any TVs, phones, or electronics of any kind. As I’ve been to Hawaii several times, I’ve always wanted to go to this place someday, maybe for my honeymoon.

But, these days, is this really even feasible? You can still bring your Blackberry or I-Phone, and, boom, you are connected to that world you were trying to escape from. I believe that this can be possible – if you leave the Blackberry at home.

Maybe we should all try to text a bit less, go online less, etc., and mix it up more with some old-fashioned communication. Maybe even read a book? Every time I’m at Barnes and Noble, I find all these books I’d love to read, if only I had the time.

So, let’s try to text a bit less and pay more attention to those we’re with. You can always get back to that person later or tell him or her whatever was so important later on.

Do I think I can stick to this? Maybe…we’ll see. I can always try…

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