Teens, minority groups ‘leading the charge’ on texting, Pew finds

African-Americans and English-speaking Hispanics are more likely to own a cell phone and to use it more intensively.

Eighty-seven percent of African-Americans and English-speaking Hispanics own cell phones. Eighty percent of whites do the same. 

“Texting among adults has reached the mainstream and the charge is being led by African-Americans, Hispanics and young adults,” said Amanda Lenhart, a researcher at Pew and the author of the report. 

“Of course, none of these adult groups hold a candle to teens when it comes to texting, who swamp adults in messages sent per day by a factor of five,” she added. 

As cell use surges, etiquette is a concern for some. Eighty-six percent of cell users said they find it rude when others check their phones repeatedly during meetings or conversations. 

The findings are based on a nationwide telephone survey of 2,252 American adults conducted between April 29 and May 30, 2010. Read the full report here.