Technological advancement has been attributed to significant changes in communication evolution. Communication approaches have been changed by the evolving internet technology taking messaging to different levels. As a result, there is a difference in modern-day communication.
The word texting and messaging have been used interchangeably for a while now. However, instant messaging and texting are quite different. Although all send messages, the approach used by each method is pretty different. Below are some of the differences you get when you text or use instant messaging.
Text Messaging
Text messaging is a messaging where electronic messages are transmitted between mobile devices. With text messaging, you must use a cellular network for the transmission to be effective. Besides, you can also use a mass text service when you need to send messages to a large group.
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging is messaging that requires one to have a stable internet connection. The online chat in real-time. However, for it to function, you must use a software application. This software has several messaging features, including video chats, file sharing, and voice calling.
Differences
Network
Regardless of how similar these two services are, the major difference is their network. Text messaging requires a cellular network for messaging, while texting requires depending on an internet connection. Therefore, when you have a business and choose the service to use, you may need to ask yourself where your customers are based.
If your business is an international one, it would be best to go with instant messaging as your foreign clients will not get limited by your region’s cellular network. However, texting may be your go-to method if you do not want to use the internet and focus on clients within your area.
Platform
Both parties only need to have mobile phones for communication transmission to occur with text messaging. This is irrespective of the platform they use for messaging. However, when using internet messaging, messaging parties are forced to stick to the same venue for the message transmissions to be possible. Communication is platform-dependent. Therefore, as a business owner using instant messaging, you may have to be on various messaging platforms. Focusing on only one medium when engaging with your clients may limit the number of clients you can access.
Internet Connection
For instant messaging to work, those messaging must all get connected to an internet source. Also, the messaging service needs to be the same. However, texting only needs its recipients to have a cellular connection which is the same in every region. Therefore, you are guaranteed that your message will receive with or without an internet connection. For this reason, texting is by far considered to be the most efficient method of communication for those in the same region.
App Dependability
When messaging via text, you don’t have to put in extra effort because no app is required to allow it. However, instant messaging can only work when installed the messaging application. Furthermore, instant messaging users need to have the same app installed for message transmission to be allowed.
Security
With texting, any person can send you a message provided they have your number. Also, as long as someone has your phone, they can send a message like you, and the recipient will believe it since they only expect you to text them from your number. On the other hand, instant messaging requires logging into the messaging platform.
All you need to have access to these platforms may be your username and password. It may sound quite protected. However, both of these methods get vulnerable at times. Instant messaging is susceptible to malicious attacks from the software. You, therefore, need to be careful with both of these methods to protect your personal information.
In conclusion, the major difference is the network system they need for messaging. Other than that, they both pretty much serve the same purpose. Both of these services require one to pay.
The only difference is that you are expected to pay the mobile service to make calls and send messages with instant messaging, while the instant messages require one to pay for phone data or WI-FI. Understanding such differences improves your chances of choosing the right method for you.
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