Talking Your Tech: Do you prefer e-mail or text messages?
— -- In the digital age, what's the best way to communicate: e-mail or texting?
If you're over the age of 30, you probably prefer e-mail. If you're younger, text is the way to go.
That's what study after study consistently says. We decided to put that theory to the test with a group of consumers from around the country. They gathered in Los Angeles recently to attend a taping of TV's The Price Is Right.
We asked them about their texting and e-mail habits. Here's a sampling of what they had to say:
Texting fans
•"Two years ago I would have said e-mail, but now it's text," said Tammi Graft from Indiana, who was in Los Angeles with her 18-year-old daughter, Jessica. She doesn't use her computer frequently enough, so too many e-mails pile up, she said.
Her top reason for preferring written communication on her phone is: "My children respond to me when I text."
•Shasta Johnson, from Chicago, said texting works great on the fly. "I can walk and text," she said. "I can't walk and e-mail at the same time."
•With texts, you don't get junk mail, said Brandon Lo, from San Diego. It's convenient, too. "It's right there on your phone. So why not text?"
E-mail fans
•Bonnie Doyle of Los Angeles says e-mail is much cheaper. "It doesn't go against texting rates."
•E-mails are more thought-out, some folks said. "I prefer to take my time with an e-mail," said Lonnie Boisau from Chicago.
•For communicating with clients, "E-mail is more professional," said Devin Cox of San Diego.
•Alex Merl, a CBS page, told us that his bosses sometimes text him, "but it seems impersonal." He prefers e-mail communication. "Even though I'm part of the younger generation, (business use of text) seemed odd to me."
How about you? Do you prefer to e-mail or text? Sound off in the comments below.
—
Next Friday in Talking Your Tech: Are you obsessed with Facebook?
Share your Facebook obsession stories for a chance to be featured on USA TODAY by:
E-mailing Jefferson at jgraham@usatoday.com
Tweet him at @ JeffersonGraham
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—
Coming Monday: Talking Your Tech interviews TV's Drew Carey about how he uses Twitter, and his favorite cameras.
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