Text Messaging, also referred to as texting, is a term for short communication through mobile devices, for example mobile phones and tablets. Texting has begun to spring up like grass in a meadow since the late twentieth century. Youngsters are particularly fond of using it to stay in constant touch with their peers.
Do you feel yourself addicted to texting? Do you find the mobile phone chime irresistible? If so, your Dopamine system is working. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that signals “pleasure” in the brain. It motivates you to pursue and repeat certain behaviours in maintaining a sense of satisfaction, such as eating, shopping or, in this case, texting. As your body’s dopamine system accelerates, texting can become compulsive. The constant stimulation can be exhausting to your brain. There could be some serious consequences, such as traffic accidents while typing or reading text messages. Some parents also worry that addiction to texting may lead to classroom distractions, academic performance deterioration and sleep deprivation for their children.
Miscommunication can also be a concern during texting because you cannot see the facial expressions of the person nor can you hear the tone in his or her voice. It may also impede your English skills because of the tendency to use choppy lingo and sloppy spelling to get the message across.
| JPC Monthly Newsletter | |
| Editor： | Police Public Relations Branch, 11/F Arsenal House, Police Headquarters, No. 1 Arsenal Street, Wan Chai, HK. |
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