How do you use your phone to talk to friends and co-workers? A recent study says that more of us are using chat apps, like WhatsApp and iMessage, than traditional texting. The study was conducted by Informa and showed that by the end of last year, more messages were being sent with WhatsApp, Kik, iMessage and BBM than through regular text messages. While these messaging apps may be convenient for us, it’s troubling for carriers as SMS has been a massive source of revenue in recent years. Don’t shed a tear for your mobile carrier, though, as the study says that SMS will still bring in over $120 billion this year. But considering 2013 will see twice as many messages sent through apps than through SMS, the huge potential for monetization is obvious. What will happen if WhatsApp or another program begins charging you to send messages? As we connect in new ways, it’s only a matter of time until we’re hit where it hurts most: our wallets.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.