Is the email age ending? I got an account on Facebook recently, but I still haven't figured out why. Of course, I'm kind of anti-social by nature.

The only difference between email and text messages is the hardware used to send them. You can certainly text to an email accunt and email a text account. It's only a matter of time until text message spam really makes the two equals and then you'll see excite mail and hot mail versions of text addresses so that people can protect their phones with a wave of drone addresses to attract the spammers away from their real number (like email now).

Kids use text messaging because the system fits in their pocket. Also, the difference to texting vs calling is like the times when we bragged about being able to multi-task by listening to the radio and using the computer. Who wants to listen to someone talk, when you can convey your point in a sentence or two?

If anyone ever figures out what to do with Second Life, let me know. All I've accomplished is wandering around aimlessly among a bunch of strangers - not too unlike real life.

Sounds like it's time for somebody to develop Third Life. ;^)

Hey slow down I'm still working hard at developing First Life ^_^

I haven't ever seen an advantage to text messaging, or IM. If it's an instantaneous kind of thing, which those imply, what the heck, I'll speak on the phone, which carries the advantage of conveying some sense of emotions. The phone is faster than any text/IM can ever be. I've never understood why anyone wants to type out a comment which could be delivered by voice so much faster.

If I don't need instantaneous feedback, it's email for me. I both ask and answer questions, and email is fine.

I send photos, pdf's, links, all by email.

But then again, full disclosure: I'm 67.

I use phone text messaging in only two situations:

1. If I have to convey some precise information, and do not want the recipient to fumble with pen and paper.

2. If I know the recipient is very busy and will appreciate not being interrupted with a phone call -- or waste time going through voice mail (reading a text message takes seconds, voice mail takes minutes).

IOW, both are for the benefit of the recipient, and I send out only 5-15 text messages a month.

The Slate article is silly. Kids use IM and texting because they are kids and have the time and inclination to do a lot of talking and socializing. Phones are most intrusive; email is least intrusive; IM and texting are in-between. Email appeals to grownups because it lets the recipient respond (or not) at his convenience and without spending any more time than he wants to. The students discussed in the Slate article will probably do less IM and texting, and relatively more emailing, as they grow up and become increasingly involved in work and family.

I like email because I don't enjoy talking on the phone, and email allows me to keep up with friends and family without burdening anyone. I have no interest in typing text messages with one finger, and IM requires almost as much attention as phone calls do. Why would I cut back on using email, in favor of the telephone and other intrusive communications methods that have all of the characteristics I am trying to avoid?

"Text messaging with a cell-phone is like trying to start a fire by rubbing two cigarette lighters together."

(Anonymous net.wag, seen last year)

That's my view.

You can certainly text to an email accunt and email a text account. It's only a matter of time until text message spam really makes the two equals

What you're missing here is that txt messages aren't free. If you route a message through an SMS-C then somebody pays for it, the carrier own that hardware and it's a huge money spinner. So while there will be SMS/TXT spam, it'll be generated by the carriers, so thats ok...

I use SMS a lot but I'm a European and it's been an integral part of the phone system for longer. It's a core piece of the GSM signalling technology and was in at the very start. I mostly use it for quick conversations where there's no point in calling, or to let people know where I am or where I'm going to be. Plus it's handy for just letting the wife know that I've landed somewhere safely, especially if there's a time difference involved and I don't want to call at 2am.

I'd guess I send a few dozen text messages a week or so, which would be about normal for my peer group and friends from London.

"I got an account on Facebook recently, but I still haven't figured out why.
Posted by Rand Simberg"

Lol. Now you just need to make an angled head shot, or better yet a just a blurry picture of your eye.