The fine line between obsessive and compulsive text messaging
Modern methods of communication have created a generation of “now,” whose access to information is virtually unlimited. The evolution of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, along with technological advances in cell phones and other personal communication devices could actually be damaging to the American youth.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, over-texting could be a sign of a serious mental illness.
Are they serious? What ever happened to personal responsibility?
I realize that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a grave mental issue, but extending that label to text messaging is a bit farfetched. Sure, 5000 messages is excessive, but not necessarily obsessive. Neglecting to eat, sleep or socialize is obsessive.
It’s the ability to communicate constantly that makes texting so popular, and if teens need to be social at all times, who cares? Aside from being a little distracting at certain times, texting is a lot less rude than, say, being on the phone in a restaurant. On top of that, messages are generally private, so the whole world doesn’t need to hear about your party plans.
I just can’t believe that people actually need to text as much as the study alleges. According to the Neilsen Co., American teens send, on average, 2,761 text messages per month, and some teens top out at more than 6,000 messages a month.
The only issue I can see with 6,000 messages a month would be my phone bill.