Is it possible to hold a text message conversation?

The use of text message on mobile phones is increasingly popular in all sections of life. But is it possible to actually have a conversation by text messaging?

Dr Donna Reid and Dr Fraser Reid of the University of Plymouth, will, on Friday 3 September 2004, present research into this question at The British Psychological Society's Social Psychology Section Annual Conference at the University of Liverpool's School of Psychology.

They have examined text messages sent and received over ten weeks by a number of students in the UK. Some students preferred using text messages whereas others preferred using their mobile phones to call people.

The findings show that text messages can be used to hold extensive conversations which can extend over hours or even days. Furthermore, the researchers claim that those students who prefer text messaging have a different conversational style and can actual use text messaging to manage their identity impression.

Ref: PR672