Generally, texting is cheaper than making phone calls. It's also more direct' since you can send or get information without having to ask and answer polite "How are you?" questions.
And it's more discreet, too. No one can hear your "conversations," and you can receive text messages almost anywhere - at work, in meetings, or in class. You can also use texting in noisy places like nightclubs, where using a cell phone is difficult.