These days, it seems everybody is texting although young people are texting the most. In 2010, American teenage girls sent and received about 80 text messages a day. Boys sent and received about 30. Adults sent five to fifteen messages a day.
近来，尽管年轻人发短信最多，但是看起来似乎每个人都在发短信。2010年，美国的少女们一天要收发大约20条短信。男孩们收发大约30条。成年人一天发送5-15条短信。
Since the first text message in 1992, texting has become very popular. Texting did not become common until about 1998. Later text messages increased rapidly. From 2006 to 2007 in the US, the number of monthly texts grew 335%. In early 2006, people sent about 65 messages per month. At the end of 2007, they sent about 218. Now, some people sent more than 1500 text messages a month.
自从1992年第一条短信出现后，发短信变得非常流行。直到大约1998年，发短信才变得普遍起来。后来短信快速增长。美国从2006年到2007年，每个月的短信量增长了335%。2006年初，人们每个月发送约65条短信。到2007年末，他们每个月发送218条。现在，有些人一个月要发送1500多条短信。
Why is texting so popular? The main reason is that it is not expensive. It has other values, too. Texting is quieter and more private than a phone call. It is also more convenient as people can reply when they have time. "Text language" such as "thx" for "thanks" and "cul8tr" for "see you later" makes texting even quicker and easier.
为什么短信这么受欢迎呢？主要原因是它不贵。而且它还有其他好处。发短信比打电话更安静、更私密。而且还更方便，人们有空的时候就可以回复。像thx（谢谢你）和cul8tr（回头见）这样的短信语言让发短信变得更快捷更简便。
However, texting has led to some problems. Some people text while they are driving or riding a bike. This is very dangerous. It is also against the law in many places. In one city in the US, you cannot text while walking. Police can make you pay $85. People often text during conversations as well. It is not polite. Many people do not like this.
但是，发短信也带来了一些问题。有些人在开车或骑车的时候发短信。这是非常危险的。在很多地方这也是违法的。在美国的一个城市里，走路的时候都不能发短信。警察能罚你85美元。人们还经常在说话的时候发短信。这是不礼貌的。很多人都不喜欢这一点。
Love it or hate it, texting is certainly here to stay.
爱也好，恨也罢，短信已然存在这里了。
