Academics study the texting habits of Canadians
Posted April 8, 2012 3:29 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BURNABY (NEWS1130) – Txt ur msg 4 science!
A study is underway by several Canadian universities that examines how people use texts to communicate.
Text4Science has read about 8,000 text messages so far from Canadians. The goal of the study is to learn about habits and patterns formed while using the technology and whether it’s affecting the way people write.
The study involves academics from Simon Fraser University, Universite de Montreal and University of Ottawa. So far, it has deciphered 10 different ways to text laughter, including three variants of “LOL.” Contributors have also shown 12 different ways to text OK, including “okay,” and “k.”
“See you” was four times as common as “c u.”
Text4Science aims to understand the language used in SMS messages. In order to reach a wider audience, researchers from various countries are joining forces to undertake the building of a larger database of SMS messages.
Those interested in taking part in the study can do so by simply texting some messages they’ve already sent to 202202. Texts sent to your phone by other people will not qualify. Usual fees will apply.
