• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Metrotextuals Becoming A New Trend

Posted on: Wednesday, 4 November 2009, 11:00 CST

Metrotextuals is a new term being given to men that have become so openly affectionate with each other that they sign off text messages to other male friends with a kiss (x).

T-Mobile said in an emailed statement to Reuters that new research reveals that about a quarter of men regularly include a kiss on texts to their male mates.

The term "Metrotextual" is the most popular between 18-24 year old males with three quarters regularly sealing texts with a kiss, and 48 percent admitting that the practice has become commonplace amongst their group.

Close to a quarter of this age group put an "x" in a text message to people that are not even close friends.

However, not only are the younger men becoming Metrotextuals -- one in 10 men over the age of 55 often complete a text message to another male with a kiss.

Ron Bracey, a clinical psychologist, told Reuters men have traditionally been reluctant to share their emotions with friends while keeping their feelings bottled up.

"However, the advent of mobile phones and social media means more communication is done non-verbally, and through this it seems men can more easily share their feelings with others -- especially their male friends," Bracey added.

Nick Kirkham, a 25-year-old metrotextual, told Reuters that he and his friends have been sending kisses to each other for years.

"In fact, apart from my boss or a work client, there's no one I wouldn't send a kiss on text to," he said.

---

On the Net:

• T-Mobile

Source: RedOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

More News in this Category