Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Woman Gets PhD in Texting

Philosophy thesis is first on text message communication

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 6, 2009 7:57 PM CDT

(Newser) – A British graduate student has earned a PhD in texting—an academic first, Discover magazine reports. Caroline Tagg’s doctorate, more specifically, is in the philosophy of texting communication. Tagg studied 11,000 texts from 235 people over four years. Among the findings: The average text is 17.5 words, texters often include features of conversational spoken language like “oh,” “erm,” and “dunno" even though they add unneccessary keystrokes, and they use fewer abbreviations than you'd think.

“Not many people use abbreviations,” Tagg tells the Telegraph. “People use playful manipulation and metaphors. It is a playful language. Not only are they quite creative, it is also quite expressive.” She called the research "enlightening" even if not all the texts were scintillating. One example: "Hi. I know you are at work but I just wanted you to know I found my pen lid.”

Doug Klinger pauses to send a text message while being photographed at Good Impressions Inc., Wednesday, April 22, 2009, in Stevens, Pa.
Doug Klinger pauses to send a text message while being photographed at Good Impressions Inc., Wednesday, April 22, 2009, in Stevens, Pa.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Everton FC forward James Vaughan text messages while icing his knee after practice Park City, Utah, Tuesday, July 28 2009.
Everton FC forward James Vaughan text messages while icing his knee after practice Park City, Utah, Tuesday, July 28 2009.   (AP Photo/Don Ryan)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 20 comments
Shannonals
Aug 8, 2009 3:20 AM CDT
What can she do with a PhD in texting?
jagerhans
Aug 7, 2009 12:25 PM CDT
any phd for jerking off? it is not as foolish as most people may think. and definitely makes more sense that a degree on ringo starr or SMS.
littleoopie
Aug 7, 2009 7:43 AM CDT
My MA is not in texting--thought I'd add that in!

More Newser Stories

Verizon 'Emergency' Text Spooks New Jersey

Texting While Driving Surges

How Your Discarded Phone Can Improve Global Health

You Don't Want to Know What's on Your Cellphone

Wireless Devices Officially Outnumber People in US


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne