Students can turn text messages into instant purchasing power

Instead of racking up high cell phone bills, students' text messaging obsession could earn them an extra $200.\nResearchers in IU's School of Informatics are conducting an online survey about text messaging in an attempt to better understand users' perceptions of the technology. The survey needs a maximum of 150 participants. They must be 18 years old, own and regularly use a cell phone with text messaging capability and have sent a text message at least once. Those who qualify to participate will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a $200 gift certificate for amazon.com. \nAfter filling out background information, participants must answer questions dealing with their perception of text messaging.\n"We're trying to understand how people perceive text messaging and how that relates to their usage," said Kay Connelly, assistant professor of computer science, who designed the study.\nWhile most researchers in computer science are interested in looking at developing technologies, Connelly has made her career studying user trends of technology already in existence. \n"We want to know how cell phones integrate into your life and what's really important for users of technology like this," Connelly said.\nThis study is the first in a series of what Connelly hopes will help developers of technology better understand their users.\n"We are starting with texting but are looking broader than that," she said. \nConnelly said she hopes studies like this one will aid in the creation of consumer friendly products, like a smart-fridge that automatically updates a grocery list.