Of the 81 percent of Boston cell phone users who text, many admit to texting basically everywhere, including some places that are considered taboo such as at the dinner table, on dates and in houses of worship, according to a local market survey by Samsung Mobile.
The survey results, announced in a press release Thursday, state that 59 percent of Boston residents admit to texting on public transportation, 51 percent text at the doctor’s office, 31 percent text at movies, 30 percent at concerts or plays, 36 percent text at the dinner table, 19 percent text on dates and 8 percent text in a house of worship.’
‘As a true testament to the role text messages play in their busy lives, over half of Boston texters feel texting makes their daily lives less complex,’ the press release states.’ ‘ ‘
In addition, 81 percent of residents think texting has become the new email, according to the press release.’
Boston University public relations professor Stephen Quigley said in an email that texting is not overtaking students’ lives, but can be disruptive in certain situations.
‘ ‘If you’re driving, conducting brain surgery, taking an exam, trying to concentrate (or contemplate) something important and complicated, avoiding opportunities for more direct and more satisfying person-to-person communication . . . or pretending to text to avoid feeling awkward in a public setting,’ texting can be a negative thing, he said.’
Quigley said he frequently sees texting in his classes.
‘I’m not especially pleased about that,’ he said.’ ‘
He said people who constantly focus on their phones throughout the day are distracting themselves from more meaningful activities.
‘The thing that matters most in our lives is . . . finding meaningful way to connect with other humans,’ he said. ‘That’s the secret sauce.” ‘
College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Emily Johnson said she texts very frequently and does not think twice about texting in class or while driving.
‘It does help you keep in touch with people and feel connected,’ she said.
But texting at some places, such as at funerals or church, should remain taboo, she said.
‘There should be some sort of social limitation on it because sometimes it can just be disrespectful,’ she said.’
CAS junior Kristina Markosova said she found some of the survey results surprising.’
‘I think it’s pretty crazy that people are saying [texting’s] the new email,’ she said. ‘I feel like texting is more for brief conversations . . . I don’t think texting can be used in a professional setting.’
Markosova said she texts in a variety of situations, including while in class, while driving and while talking to people.
‘I try not to, but in crucial situations, it probably happens,’ she said.’
CAS junior Aly Crea said she also tries not to text while talking to other people.
‘I have, but I try to avoid that,’ she said. ‘I think it can be rude sometimes.’
In addition, she said, texting can be a way to feel less awkward, keep busy and look like you’re doing something.
‘I’m all for it,’ she said. ‘Texting in awkward situations.”
School of Management sophomore Tina Yip, however, said she never texts while talking to people around her.’
‘You’re talking to real person,’ she said. ‘Why would you text while interacting with someone that’s actually there?’
Staff reporter Annie Ropeik contributed to the reporting of this article.
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