Text Messaging New Vehicle for Romance

A survey conducted by the International Communications Research shows that text messaging and wireless phones are becoming big parts of America's romantic lives. In fact, 28 percent of those surveyed report they do flirt by text messaging and six percent have judged a prospective date simply on the phone they use.

The survey was commissioned by AT & T and it's wireless partenr, Cingular. The results are published on the company's Web site, www.cingular.com

The survey, conducted in Jan. 2007, showed that more than third of Americans communicate with dates and mates with text messaging, sharing both the good and the bad. Twelve percent of the 1,000 people surveyed said they have used text messaging as a conservation starter with a date, while five percent have actually used text messaging to connect with a potential romantic interest while actually on a date with someone else.

"Text messaging has become part of the social fabric of dating in
America," said Jennifer Bowcock, director of consumer public relations for
Cingular Wireless, which recently merged with AT&T.

"People can text one another to make plans
or even say 'I love you' when they may not have the time or ability to make
a voice call. It is definitely a discreet and simple way to stay
connected," she said in a written press release.

Text messaging appears to be taking the place of the old "I've got to wash my hair" excuse, or at least the technology is making it easier to give and receive those messages. More than a quarter of respondents say text messaging has helped them avoid long conversations. Twelve percent credit text messaging with helping them avoid an unwanted date.

One of the survey results will come as no surprise to anyone who has dined out recently. Thirty-eight percent of respondents say great conversations over fine dining meals have been interested by a cell phone call. Thirty-one percent of respondents admitted to doing the same thing. Then, it should be shocking to learn that eight percent of respondents have actually ended a relationship over rude wireless behavior.