AT&T Survey Examines Role of Texting in Dating and Relationships |
Sending Love Missives, Flirting and Being Rescued From Bad Dates Are Some
of the Most Popular Uses of Text Messaging
DALLAS, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Call it LUV? AT&T Inc. (NYSE:
T) has announced the results of the company's recently commissioned survey
among text-messaging adults ages 18-55 to gain more insight into how text
messaging is being used in the modern dating scene. According to the
survey, 40 percent of texters who are in a relationship or dating believe
that text messaging plays a significant or very significant role in their
relationships.
"People have discovered that there are moments when just the right
text, sent at just the right time, can go a long way to keeping romance
alive," said Alecia Bridgwater, director of Messaging for AT&T's wireless
unit. "We wanted to understand more deeply how our customers were using
text messaging in this way, and our study turned up some interesting
insights."
Dee Casey, a 26-year-old AT&T customer from San Antonio, said: "I spend
a ton of time texting every day. I think it's much easier to flirt via text
message than in person because you have a moment to think of a cute,
flirty, creative response without being embarrassed about what the other
person will think."
Whether you're a teenager experiencing your first crush or a baby
boomer re-entering the dating scene after a long hiatus, dating can be a
daunting affair at any age. For many, text messaging provides an easier
approach to making -- and keeping -- a love connection.
Love Taps
The love note has evolved from "roses are red" references scrawled on
stationery to fast and flirty text messages. AT&T's dating survey revealed
more and more couples are tapping out sweet nothings on their cell phones
whenever the mood strikes.
According to the survey:
* Sixty-eight percent of texters surveyed admitted to sending a love
note via text messaging.
* Sixty-seven percent have used text messaging to flirt.
* Fifty-two percent said "thinking of you" is the most common text
message received from a date or spouse.
* Twenty-eight percent indicated that they text at least three times a
day with a significant other or spouse.
Love at First Text
Exchanging text messages before a first date can help put everyone at
ease. Texting also allows you to be more clever and thoughtful in what you
say.
* Thirty-four percent of texters in a relationship or dating agreed
they would be more comfortable on a first date if they received a text
message beforehand.
* Twenty-six percent agreed that someone would be more likely to accept
a first date with them if they have exchanged text messages first.
* Fifty-eight percent admitted they have at least occasionally shown a
friend a text message from a suitor to get his or her interpretation.
* Thirty-eight percent admitted that their wireless phone has saved
them from an uncomfortable dating situation.
Love Hurts
Texting for love isn't without its challenges. One of the great things
about texting during a new relationship is the time it allows you to
collect your thoughts and your courage before initiating communication. On
the flip side, it also could possibly create uncertainty and frustration if
the recipient of the message waits too long to respond.
* Eighty-four percent of those surveyed believe that text messages can
sometimes be misunderstood by a date or suitor.
* Twenty-four percent said the biggest turnoff when texting with a date
or a spouse is a slow response.
* Eighty-two percent, however, said they answer a text message
immediately or as quickly as possible.
* One-third of texters who are in a relationship or dating indicated
they would get upset if a date/spouse responded to a wireless call while on
a date, although 44 percent admitted to answering their wireless phone
while on a date.
Love Through the Ages
It's not easy getting back in the love game after sitting on the
sidelines for a while. There are many adults who find themselves single
again and are quickly learning that the rules of engagement, as well as the
tools of engagement, have changed over the years. Sending text messages to
flirt, make romantic plans and, in some extreme cases, to break up is
completely alien to many of a certain age.
So just how does age factor into adults' views of texting and dating?
* Thirty-seven percent of respondents who are 18-35 said they text at
least three times a day with their significant other compared with 22
percent of those who are 36-55.
* Seventy-four percent of respondents who are 18-35 have flirted via
text messaging compared with 60 percent of those who are 36-55.
* Twenty-six percent of respondents ages 18-35 admitted to texting more
than one person at a time to invite them on a date or for other romantic
reasons, but only 7 percent of those who are 36-55 have done the same.
* Thirty percent of respondents ages 18-35 have texted friends and
family to update them on a blind date compared with 19 percent of
respondents who are 36-55.
AT&T offers a variety of messaging plans that fit your unique wireless
needs. Two unlimited plans, Messaging Unlimited and Messaging Unlimited for
Families, give you the freedom to send as many messages as you want --
text, instant messages, picture and video -- for one low monthly price. For
more information, visit http://www.att.com/textmessaging.
Survey Methodology
AT&T's 2008 text dating survey was conducted by Synovate via an online
consumer opinion panel of 1,000 adults ages 18-55 in May 2008.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its
subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of
AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their
offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications
services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and
voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory
publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and
YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators
in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen
integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In
2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired
Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired
Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and
the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is
available at http://www.att.com.
(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the
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Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks
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SOURCE AT&T Inc.
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CONTACT:
Heather Buffington of Fleishman-Hillard,
+1-404-986-1805, hbuffington@attnews.us, for AT&T Inc.
