Young 'prefer texting to calls'

Text messages are fast replacing greeting cards

Text messages have superseded phone calls as the most common use for a mobile phone among young people, a new survey reveals.

Mobile phone text messaging has more than doubled since March 2002, according to the survey by mobile phone insurer CPP.

And, the younger people are, the more likely they are to text.

More than eight out of ten people under the age of 25 are more likely to send someone a text message than call.

But, at the other end of the scale, just 14% of those aged over 55 said they preferred to text.

Using text to make flirtatious suggestions was popular, as was contacting an ex-partner.

Common text usages

Send a greeting/ happy birthday 28%

Cancel/ arrange a social meet 16%

Receive sports/news updates 7%

Flirting 7%

Contact an ex-partner 4%

Source: CPP

But sending a birthday or other greeting was the most popular use of text, closely followed by arranging and cancelling a social engagement.

The survey may alarm greeting card sellers.

But the Greeting Card Association claims it is benefiting from Britain's mobile obsession.

"Text messaging is of benefit to greeting card sellers as it helps people to keep in regular touch with friends," said spokesperson Sharon Little.

"As a result, when a special occasion does arrive later down the line they are more inclined - not less - to send a card."