texts 'r' us

what is it with the texting? no offense to anyone who is a frequent texter, but i just don't understand.

why do two girls walking down a sidewalk both text? are they texting each other (sadly this is possible)? or are they too bored with each other's company that they need to find stimulating conversation elsewhere?

why do students sitting in a classroom, surrounded by their friends, rely on the an absent party to "talk" to? and why, after doing so for an extended period of time, do they continue to wonder why they don't "get" the material they are supposed to be learning?

why do parents text their kids during school hours and expect them to text back? this is the craziest...

the whole idea of the text is to be discreet in a public setting (where talking on the phone would be loud/rude) or to relay a BRIEF amount of information (when there is no need for a drawn out phone conversation). texting back and forth meaningless trivialities is a complete waste of time (pick up the phone and TALK to the person...learn the benefits of having a meaningful conversation)