Thursday, December 13, 2012

SMS, A Twenty Year Relationship


On December 3, 1992, Neil Papworth, a 22-year-old software engineer, was the first person to send an SMS text. Papworth used a computer to send the text message to his boss. The text message read, "Merry Christmas". Twenty years later, the number of SMS sent has risen at an astronomic rate. The form of communication even surpasses the more traditional phone call.

SMS texting transcends age groups and cultures because of its simplicity, conciseness, and compatibility with all types of mobile phones. We even have SMS texting to thank for Twitter. Twitter was originally intended be used via SMS texting, hence the 160 character limit (including handle). 

I believe SMS text messaging, unlike many other forms of communication and social interaction will be around and relevant for at least another 20 years. What do you think?

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