There was a time when SMS represented the pinnacle of mobile communication. Those 160 characters were all we needed to stay in touch, driving us to invent creative abbreviations and acronyms to avoid exceeding the character limit. But, like many technologies that once seemed indispensable, SMS is rapidly becoming a relic of the past. Today, more advanced messaging platforms dominate the scene.
The Inevitable Decline of SMS
The decline of SMS has been as rapid as it was inevitable. In 2012, SMS was at its peak with 7.8 trillion messages sent globally. Today, according to Portio Research, we are down to about 5.2 trillion. Why? Mainly because of costs. Sending text messages, especially international ones, could quickly drain your wallet. Additionally, the character limitation often made it difficult to express complex thoughts or deep feelings without having to send an endless series of messages. But the real turning point came with the advent of smartphones and instant messaging apps. As access to the Internet became more affordable and widespread, people quickly embraced more cost-effective and functional alternatives. And who can blame them? Why pay for each message when you can send as many as you want for free?
The New Modes of Communication
Now, instead of SMS, we have a wide range of tools for communication. Let’s explore the preferred communication modes of the new generations.
- WhatsApp and Messenger: With over 2 billion active monthly users, WhatsApp has made communication free and multifunctional, integrating messages, voice calls, and video. Messenger, Facebook’s messaging platform, offers similar features, allowing users to stay connected with friends and family easily and instantly.
- Instagram and Snapchat: For the new generations, visual communication is crucial. Instagram and Snapchat have transformed the way we share moments of our lives. With Instagram stories and Snapchat snaps, we can capture and share moments in real-time, enhancing them with filters, emojis, and creative texts.
- TikTok: If you haven’t yet spent hours scrolling through videos on TikTok, you’re missing out. This platform has become a true phenomenon among the young, allowing the creation and sharing of short musical videos, comedy sketches, tutorials, and much more.
- Discord: For gamers and beyond, Discord has become the preferred platform for communication. Whether you’re playing a video game, participating in a community of enthusiasts, or simply chatting with friends, Discord offers high-quality voice and text chat.
Why Do New Generations Prefer These Platforms?
The main reason is versatility. The new platforms offer much more than SMS: they are multimedia, allowing the sending not only of texts but also images, videos, voice messages, and much more. Additionally, they are often integrated with other social features, enabling connection with a vast network of people easily and instantly. Another crucial factor is customization. New generations love to express their individuality, and these platforms offer countless ways to do so, from Snapchat and Instagram filters to reels. Finally, there’s the element of instant gratification. Instant messaging apps allow real-time communication without waiting for message delivery or worrying about additional costs.
Rest in Peace SMS
SMS had its moment of glory, but the world of communication is constantly evolving. New generations prefer platforms that not only facilitate communication but also allow them to express their creativity and personality. WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord are just some of the apps that have revolutionized our way of communicating. And who knows what the future holds!
Thank you for everything, SMS, but it’s time to pass the baton.
E-Business Consulting, a digital marketing agency active since 2003, specializes in marketing and communication; it can provide 360° support to understand the best solution for your needs. Contact us to build a tailored project for you!
