Text messaging is the simplest and most common means of communication today. Although it is a casual way to communicate, there is still etiquette that needs to be practiced.

Contrary to popular habits, texting in the presence of others is rude.

Sophomore Kahea Ah Sam said, “Today it is so common to find yourself in a situation where you will be talking to someone and they will be texting someone else. I find it especially rude when I’m trying to tell them something really important.”

Since text messaging is often informal, it should not be used for sharing private information. Everything that is sent online or through messaging can be traced back to the individual.

The use of tone is also of great importance. It is difficult to interpret emotion through a text message and can be easily misinterpreted.

Junior Haley Clark said, “Once when I texted my group partner, I meant for the text to be funny, but since she is not familiar with my humor, she took it the wrong way and thought that I was upset with her.”

Although many consequences are not serious, texting while driving can be deadly. It is not only a hazard for the individual texting but also for other drivers around them. Statistics say that in 2013 texting while driving is the leading cause of teenage driving accidents in the country.

Although text messaging is an easy, quick way to get and send information, face-to-face conversation is still valuable. One does not learn social skills by communicating through a screen but by actual conversation between individuals.

Senior Lydia McShane said, “Texting is simple and fast but I rather talk face-to-face because by actually talking to each other, I build a stronger bond with others.”