Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Almost one-third of U.S. adults prefer to be reached by text message rather than a voice call on their mobile phone, according to a study by the Pew Research Centers Internet and American Life Project.
Three-quarters (73%) of U.S. adults text and 83% of U.S. adults are mobile phone owners.
The study found that when it comes to a preferred method of contact, 31% of adults would choose a text message, 51% would choose a voice call and 14% say it depends on the situation. Fifty-five percent of heavy texters those who exchange 50 messages or more a day prefer texting to talking. This is the first year Pew has polled the preferred contact method, says the studys lead researcher Aaron Smith.
Its fun to collect a trend but asking new stuff is always really exciting, because we never really know what to expect. Smith says, admitting he prefers to receive text messages.
Young adults between 18-24 text most frequently, sending on average 109.5 messages each day or 3,200 texts each month. The average mobile phone user in that group sends or receives 50 texts each day or 1,500 texts each month.
SEE ALSO: Texting Teens: Typing Replaces Talking [INFOGRAPHIC]
The findings also reveal that mobile usage has leveled off among the U.S. adult population. These statistics are very similar to 2010s results. On average, 41.5 texts are sent or received on a given day. The average adult sends or receives 10 texts each day. Cellphone users make or receive 12 calls on average each day.
The survey polled 2,277 adults over age 18, between April 26 and May 22. The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 2.3% and plus or minus 2.7% among mobile phone users.
How do you prefer for people to contact you on your mobile phone? Let us know in the comments.
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, Neustockimages
More About: mobile phones, Pew, text messaging, trendingFor more Mobile coverage:Follow Mashable Mobile on TwitterBecome a Fan on FacebookSubscribe to the Mobile channelDownload our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
