Interesting that you talked with your students about this. My students who are 12 to 14 years old have discussed similar topics. They have concluded that the problem with texting is that the tone is tricky. It is difficult to tell if a texter is being sarcastic, supportive, or just plain mean because the message is so short. Many have experienced misunderstandings with friends due to misinterpretation of text messages. Or even ended up at the wrong place due to misinterpretation of spelling! They love texting and are constantly on their phones, even in the same room, but all acknowledge that it can cause problems. The other issue is sending a text on someone else's phone without their knowledge. There have been several instances where it was a prank but there were hurt feelings because of a text. I think this kind of behavior is not new, in the past notes were sent in someone else's name, but it continues to be hurtful. Communication is filled with human angst regardless of the mode of transmission! After all, we all view language through our own lens of experiences and misinterpretation is probable. But, given that, at least with a voice and body language to add more information, we have more to help us get the truer message. Same problems, different century, different technology!