Topic: Texting

Message from Google chief: Have a heart – turn off this screen

Google chief Eric Schmidt suggests young people drop their screen time for some real conversation, heart to heart. Being better connected digitally isn't the best way to develop social skills.

Inconvenient truths to a ban on texting while driving

In Ohio, heated debate accompanied the move to ban texting while driving. That surprised me. Who could oppose such a thing? Ah, but then the law of unintended consequences put a whole new light on the controversy.

Text messaging apps: solution to texting while driving accidents?

Texting while driving is continuously cited as a reason behind many deadly accidents. Mobile text messaging apps that alert parents to text messages sent on the road may be a part of a solution.

BP engineer arrested in Gulf oil spill

Former BP engineer Kurt Mix is accused of deleting text messages that revealed the true scope of the disaster.

Peer pressure is part of texting and driving – teens can’t say no

But teens should say no. Peer pressure, not wanting to ignore friends, leads to texting and driving. And a new study shows that 75 percent of young adults think there's nothing wrong with that.

Texting and driving: the role of teenage passengers

Texting and driving is not only more common among young people, it seems to be more accepted – at least tacitly. A new study says that younger teenage passengers are least likely to speak up if a driver is texting and driving.

A tsunami-warning system makes waves

Big lessons can be learned from Wednesday's giant earthquake off Indonesia that led to an Indian Ocean-wide tsunami warning. The new system, set up since the big 2004 disaster, worked.

Teen text messaging up – but do they yack more than parents did?

American teen text messaging is up from a median volume of 50 a day in 2009 to 60 received and sent today, according to a new study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. But as a measure of teen communication, it may not be much different than the level their parents engaged in.

Most teens are texting and driving; parents silent

Texting and driving is still the norm among teen drivers, a new study finds. But parents are not talking about it.

20 essential Android tips and tricks

Several weeks ago, we highlighted 20 useful iPhone tricks everyone should know. We got such good feedback from that feature that we wanted to share the love with Android users – who, after all, make up the largest proportion of the smart phone community.

Digital age etiquette tips for Facebook faux pas and texting trip ups

Some survival tips for this digital age of social media and new technology.

20 iPhone tips and tricks everyone should know

With hundreds of iPhone features and 500,000 iOS apps, it's easy to miss some of Apple's best tricks. Here are 20 of our favorite.

Technology 2012: Four tech trends to watch

Technological innovations lay at the heart of many of last year's biggest stories -- from citizen-recorded videos that fanned the flames of the Arab Spring to the social-media organized Occupy movement. So what new technologies – and unexpected uses of them – will change social habits and relationships this year? Here are four 2012 technology trends that are sure to play a role: 

With 2012, state laws kick in on everything from immigration to shark fins

State legislatures passed close to 40,000 new laws in 2011, and a number of those measures take effect on Jan. 1. On some issues, like immigration, state laws are taking markedly different stands.

NTSB begs states to ban driver cellphone use. Where do they stand now?

The NTSB urged a cell phone ban for drivers Tuesday. But some states only have minimal rules on electronic devices in cars, and debate continues over safety of hands-free talking.

NTSB wants to ban cellphones in cars? Jam them.

NTSB proposes to keep electronics from distracting drivers. But the only way to enforce an NTSB rule would be to jam cellphones for people in the driver's seat.

Federal board wants cellphone ban for drivers. What happens next?

The NTSB wants states to ban drivers from using cellphones – handheld or hands-free. But it can't impose any laws or restrictions. That's up to lawmakers, who may or may not agree.

Ban cellphones while driving? Mobile firms react.

CTIA, the wireless industry's largest trade group, has weighed in on the National Transportation Safety Board's proposed ban on drivers using cellphones. Here's what they had to say.

National ban on cellphone use while driving, recommends NTSB

Every state should ban the use of cellphones while driving, says the National Transportation Safety Board. More than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in the US in 2010.

Cell phone ban for all drivers nationwide, suggests NTSB

Cell phone ban should prohibit any driver from calling or texting while behind the wheel, except for emergencies, says NTSB. But will states approve such a sweeping cell phone ban?

Afghanistan Field Guide: Don't wear sunglasses and eight other essential tips

Planning on going to Afghanistan? Curious about how a person navigates this war-torn country?

Journalist Edward Girardet, who has been reporting on Afghanistan for more than 30 years – including for the Monitor – edits “The Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan.”

He gives eight sample “essentials” for getting around.

Herman Cain announcement: Is he staying, or is he going?

Herman Cain said he would announce the future of his presidential bid on Saturday in Atlanta. As bad as things look for him right now, there are no certainties in this campaign season.

Ginger White: Her phone bill has 61 calls or texts from Herman Cain (video)

Ginger White, who says she had a 13-year affair with Herman Cain, showed reporters her phone bill. There were 61 texts or calls from Herman Cain.

Texting bride caught messaging down the aisle. LOL! OMG! (VIDEO)

Texting bride video goes viral on the Web.

Top 7 dumb times to use a smartphone

Smartphones are great. Who would have ever thought that you could carry a telephone, address book, computer, camera, and all of your e-mail in just your pocket? However, as with any technology, it's liable to be misused. This isn’t just limited to talking on the phone at the wrong time; typing on the keyboard or sneaking a glance at the latest text messages can get us into a lot of trouble, too. Here are my Top 7 dumbest moments to use a smartphone: