[nabs-l] Thought Provoker: Love at first text?

Dave Wright gymnastdave at sbcglobal.net
Thu Nov 6 16:17:38 UTC 2008


Now this is kind of interesting... What do you all think?


A T & T Survey Examines Evolution of the Love Note, Role of Texting in
Dating and Relationships

Sending Love Missives, Flirting and Being Rescued From Bad Dates Are Some of
the Most Popular Uses of Text Messaging

Dallas, Texas, October 8, 2008

Call it LUV? A T & T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced the results of the
company's recently commissioned survey among text-messaging adults ages
18-55 to gain more insight into how text messaging is being used in the
modern dating scene. According to the survey, 40 percent of texters who are
in a relationship or dating believe that text messaging plays a significant
or very significant role in their relationships. 

"People have discovered that there are moments when just the right text,
sent at just the right time, can go a long way to keeping romance alive,"
said Alecia Bridgwater, director of Messaging for A T & T's wireless unit.
"We wanted to understand more deeply how our customers were using text
messaging in this way, and our study turned up some interesting insights." 

Dee Casey, a 26-year-old A T & T customer from San Antonio, said: "I spend a
ton of time texting every day. I think it's much easier to flirt via text
message than in person because you have a moment to think of a cute, flirty,
creative response without being embarrassed about what the other person will
think."

Whether you're a teenager experiencing your first crush or a baby boomer
re-entering the dating scene after a long hiatus, dating can be a daunting
affair at any age. For many, text messaging provides an easier approach to
making - and keeping - a love connection. 

Love Taps

The love note has evolved from "roses are red" references scrawled on
stationery to fast and flirty text messages. A T & T's dating survey
revealed more and more couples are tapping out sweet nothings on their cell
phones whenever the mood strikes. 

According to the survey:

Sixty-eight percent of texters surveyed admitted to sending a love note via
text messaging. 

Sixty-seven percent have used text messaging to flirt. 
Fifty-two percent said "thinking of you" is the most common text message
received from a date or spouse. 

Twenty-eight percent indicated that they text at least three times a day
with a significant other or spouse. 
Love at First Text

Exchanging text messages before a first date can help put everyone at ease.
Texting also allows you to be more clever and thoughtful in what you say. 

Thirty-four percent of texters in a relationship or dating agreed they would
be more comfortable on a first date if they received a text message
beforehand. 

Twenty-six percent agreed that someone would be more likely to accept a
first date with them if they have exchanged text messages first. 

Fifty-eight percent admitted they have at least occasionally shown a friend
a text message from a suitor to get his or her interpretation. 

Thirty-eight percent admitted that their wireless phone has saved them from
an uncomfortable dating situation. 
Love Hurts

Texting for love isn't without its challenges. One of the great things about
texting during a new relationship is the time it allows you to collect your
thoughts and your courage before initiating communication. On the flip side,
it also could possibly create uncertainty and frustration if the recipient
of the message waits too long to respond. 

Eighty-four percent of those surveyed believe that text messages can
sometimes be misunderstood by a date or suitor. 

Twenty-four percent said the biggest turnoff when texting with a date or a
spouse is a slow response. 

Eighty-two percent, however, said they answer a text message immediately or
as quickly as possible. 

One-third of texters who are in a relationship or dating indicated they
would get upset if a date/spouse responded to a wireless call while on a
date, although 44 percent admitted to answering their wireless phone while
on a date. 

Love Through the Ages

It's not easy getting back in the love game after sitting on the sidelines
for a while. There are many adults who find themselves single again and are
quickly learning that the rules of engagement, as well as the tools of
engagement, have changed over the years. Sending text messages to flirt,
make romantic plans and, in some extreme cases, to break up is completely
alien to many of a certain age. 

So just how does age factor into adults' views of texting and dating?

Thirty-seven percent of respondents who are 18-35 said they text at least
three times a day with their significant other compared with 22 percent of
those who are 36-55. 

Seventy-four percent of respondents who are 18-35 have flirted via text
messaging compared with 60 percent of those who are 36-55. 

Twenty-six percent of respondents ages 18-35 admitted to texting more than
one person at a time to invite them on a date or for other romantic reasons,
but only 7 percent of those who are 36-55 have done the same. 

Thirty percent of respondents ages 18-35 have texted friends and family to
update them on a blind date compared with 19 percent of respondents who are
36-55. 

A T & T offers a variety of messaging plans that fit your unique wireless
needs. Two unlimited plans, Messaging Unlimited and Messaging Unlimited for
Families, give you the freedom to send as many messages as you want - text,
instant messages, picture and video - for one low monthly price. For more
information, visit www.att.com/textmessaging.

Survey Methodology

A T & T's 2008 text dating survey was conducted by Synovate via an online
consumer opinion panel of 1,000 adults ages 18-55 in May 2008. 



Best Regards:
David Wright

Email: dwrigh6 at uic.edu
Mobile: 832-518-0707

http://www.knfbreader.com


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