Modern messaging has changed the way we communicate, and the internet has revolutionized the way we interact with each other. The innovation of Internet technology has had a profound impact on the way of human communication in the 21st century.
Considering the "Dark Ages" of the 1980s, when people could communicate by exchanging letters or by telegraph, radio, or carrier pigeons, the modern convenience of communication at our disposal was truly revolutionary.
Today, thanks to the development of digital communication, information can be transmitted in seconds.
In this digital age full of technological innovations, it can be difficult to understand the difference between texting and messaging. Well, they all serve the same purpose - that is,
What is SMS (SMS)?
Text messaging, also known as text messaging, is one of the most important forms of communication and involves the creation and transmission of short electronic messages between two or more mobile devices.
Simply put, texting is the act of sending and receiving text messages between mobile phones. Text messaging uses the cellular network to transmit information in a manner similar to making a phone call to the other party.
The first party who creates or composes a message is the "sender", and the party on the receiving end is the "receiver" or "receiver". Messages usually consist of letters and numbers.
Every mobile device, smart or not, has the ability to send and receive text messages, making it a great alternative to voice calls if voice-based communication isn't possible.
Smartphones and traditional cell phones are the most common devices for sending and receiving text messages.
However, a PC or laptop can also be used to send and receive text messages—all you need to do is install a texting app on your computer. The app uses your cellular network to access and message your contacts.
What is instant messaging (IM)?
Instant Messaging (IM) is another effective form of communication that requires a stable internet connection.
It's basically an online chat where you keep a list of people you interact with and send real-time text transmissions over the internet. In simple terms, it is the real-time exchange of text messages through a software application.
Instant messaging service is more interactive than other forms of communication because the information is sent in real-time, and it can also provide video calls, file sharing, or voice calls using a microphone and headset.
Instant messaging requires you and your contacts to communicate using the same messaging app. You can add people you want to interact with to your friend list or contact list and message them when they're online.
There are many popular messaging apps on the market today. The most popular include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Snapchat and Skype, and many more.
You must be online to send and receive messages, and any attempt to IM a friend who is not online will result in an incomplete transfer. If both parties are online, the recipient will receive a notification alert that the IM has arrived.
You can then initiate a chat session with that particular buddy or friend through the messaging service.
Difference Between SMS and Messaging
1. Network
The two systems are similar and feature-rich, which makes text messaging and messaging similar to each other in many ways. However, the main difference between them is that while texting requires a cellular network to send and receive information, instant messaging requires both parties to stay online via the internet.
2. Platform
Anyone with a cell phone can exchange text messages with anyone with a cell phone, regardless of platform. On the other hand, instant messaging is platform-dependent, which means that both parties need the same messaging service or application to communicate with each other. For example, Facebook users cannot send messages to Snapchat users and vice versa.
3. Internet connection
In instant messaging, both users must be online and connected to each other through a common messaging service in order to exchange messages. Texting, on the other hand, has a wider reach because it relies on cellular networks, which makes it potentially one of the most efficient methods of digital communication.
4. Application Reliability
The SMS service can be used without an app, which is more convenient and easier than instant messaging, on the other hand, instant messaging requires a medium - an application - to connect the sender with the receiver. Both parties need to have the same messaging app installed on their devices in order to exchange messages.
5. Safety
Because texting is platform-independent, requiring only a phone number, anyone with access to your phone can send and receive text messages, so no login is required. On the other hand, instant messaging requires your credentials (username and password) to log in, making it more secure and private. However, both services are equally vulnerable to phishing scams and other malicious attacks.
Difference Between Texting and Messaging Table
Generalize
- Conceptually, text messaging and instant messaging services serve the same purpose—the instant transmission of information in the form of a message to a recipient—but they also differ considerably.
- Text messaging uses the cellular network to send and receive text messages, similar to making a phone call, so you pay your mobile provider for the service. Instant messaging, on the other hand, use your cell phone data or Wi-Fi service, so you only pay for data usage unless you have an unlimited data plan.
- You don't need to install anything on your phone to use the SMS service, and the SMS app must be downloaded on the sender's and recipient's phones. Telegram users cannot interact with Facebook users and vice versa.