This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Seven Reasons Teenagers Text

Why are kids texting all the time these days? Here's a teen to tell you why!

A smart man once said, "Something big is going to happen in the world one day, and these kids are going to miss it because they were texting."

That man is my grandfather, and he just might be right. Nearly every kid is a constant texter, and it probably leaves parents and grandparents wondering why. My grandfather's always asking me why we need to know exactly what our friends are doing all the time and why they need to know also. Contrary to his belief, that's not what we're texting about.

I can't speak for every kid, but I can clear a few things up about why us kids are texting every thirty seconds.

Find out what's happening in Hartlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. It's something to do. Growing up in a world full of developing technology, we rely on always being entertained by something. So when we get bored, we start a conversation.

2. It's the easiest way to stay in contact with people. Whether we're texting or scrolling down our news feed on Facebook, we're remaining in contact with our friends and peers, which is important to most teenagers.

Find out what's happening in Hartlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3. We can do something and text at the same time. My mom has asked me numerous times, "Why don't you just call them?!" Well, phone calls are limiting. You can't watch television, listen to music, shop, or hang out with other people while having a phone call. With texting, you can still go on with your daily activities.

4. It's how we tell each other things we're afraid to tell each other in person. Kids use their phones to tell their crush they like them, ask them about the rumor going around school, or ask someone to a dance. It saves us from a lot of embarrassment and discomfort.

5. You can share things easily. If you see something funny, it's fun to share it. Texting is a good way you can send a picture or video of something that wouldn't be the same of you just described it.

6. It's how we get to know each other nowadays. Hanging out with someone for the first time can be awkward, so if you get to know them via text first, you'll know more and be able to talk to them easier. It's not as personal, but it definitely takes away some awkward situations.

7. Sometimes, we're not even texting! Whenever I end up in an awkward situation, I'll pretend to text. It's so normal to be texting; nobody notices we're actually avoiding the situation.

Although my grandfather thinks teenagers are missing out on life, we're just living it a different way. Who knows, he just might have been a constant texter too if he lived as a teenager today.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?