News 2004
Is saying “I love you” a thing of the past?
11/02/2004
Saying those three little words “I love you” could soon be a thing of the past according to new research out today from Virgin Mobile, the UK’s fastest growing network. More than half of all 16-24 year olds claim that when it comes to expressing those immortal words, they are more likely to text their love than say it out loud.
When asked if they found it easier to say “I love you” to a loved one via text, or face to face, more than half (51%) of 16-24 year olds opted for text every time, proving that SMS has become so much more than just another modern form of communication. Rather, text has become a vital social tool, used for all types of intimate communications, particularly for this generation of Brits who can barely remember life before mobile phones.
Proving that the spread of texting as a vital communications tool is not confined to youth, the study goes on to reveal that, across all generations of Britons, nearly a quarter (23%) of us admit that we’re now too tongue-tied to say “I love you” out loud, and will be using text instead on Valentine’s Day.
The most traditional of Valentine’s communications, the Valentine’s card, appears to be declining in popularity as quickly as texting is growing. A third (33%) of all respondents claim that they are going to ditch this traditional message of love this year in favour of the cheaper, more convenient, and more immediate text message.
However, texting on Valentine’s Day seems to be slightly less appropriate for more long-standing relationships. 43% of singletons are likely to use the Joy of Text, compared with 29% of happily marrieds, where perhaps a little more investment is required on February 14th in order to avoid the wrath of a spouse.
Virgin Mobile predicts that a record-breaking 100 million SMS messages will be sent on February 14th 2004, significantly up on last year’s 75 million, and proof that Britain is a nation of text maniacs.
Steven Day, corporate affairs director at Virgin Mobile said: “Text is liberating. Text is fun. Text is immediate. It lets you say things you normally wouldn’t or shouldn’t. It can help break down the barriers for those of us who are normally a little shy when it comes to saying things face to face. And, unlike Valentine’s cards, texts allow you to flirt, ask someone out, or say “I love you” 366* days a year. We predict that a large proportion of British women who propose on February 29th this year will not get down on one knee, but will choose to do it via text.
“In our fast-moving world, where we demand instant gratification, we are finding that cards are simply too slow, and we prefer to send texts which are able to generate an immediate response. With texts from one Virgin to another (that’s Virgin Mobile to Virgin Mobile!) costing just 3p each, it is a cheap, effective and immediate way to say “I love you” this Valentine’s Day.”
For all those turning to text for the first time, or looking to spice up their text life, Virgin Mobile has produced a ‘lovers guide’ to help relieve even the worst cases of textual frustration this Valentine’s Day.
OC9WU On cloud nine with you
(((HML))) Hug me lots
:-)X(-: Let's kiss
:-)XXXXX(-: Let’s kiss a lot
:-*) Kiss on the cheek
UR a QT You are a cutie
