Do you know anyone without unlimited text messaging? No, really. Think about it. Is there ever a day in your life where you do not send or receive a text? And when it comes to the dating world, do you even stand a chance if you can’t respond with witty one-liners about your day and what your plans are that evening?

According to the Canadian Wireless Telecommunication Association, Canadians sent over 55 billion texts in 2010. So, I decided to conduct an experiment within Toronto and on my campus at Ryerson University.

I left my cell phone number scribbled on napkins, desks, streetcars etc. It was prefaced with only the words, “I’m bored. Txt me.”

In a time where people are obsessed with text messaging, I thought it would be interesting to see how many responses I would receive. I was aware that this entire project might flop; maybe no one would respond. But what I realized is that we’ve moved from a time when our phone number was given out sparingly to an era where we feel the need to have unlimited text and yes, would text a random number in the city.

Within a week, I received 12 responses. And these responses turned into conversations. Long ones. Many spanned over several hours. I was texting complete strangers who didn’t even know if I was a boy of a girl. My sex seemed to be the most important piece of information and was always the first question to pop up.

Anonymous: Male or female?
ME: Female. Haha you?
Anonymous: Male lmao
Anonymous: So do you leave ur number on peoples lockers often? lol
ME: Sometimes when I’m bored haha just to see what happens. Do you text random numbers often? Haha
Anonymous: Well it was on the lock beside my buddy so might as well text it for jokes lol
ME: I figured at least it would spark some curiosity. You were totally hoping it was a girl weren’t you?
Anonymous: Lmao ya guys wouldn’t do that
ME: Haha I guess. Remember the day when you had to legit pay 10 cents a text? You’d get like 2 texts a week and it was such a big deal.
Anonymous: Lmao ya thank god for unlimited texts lol. So tell me about yourself
ME: Haha what do you want to know?
Anonymous: Age background program talents lol

This conversation lasted over eight hours. The flirtation crept in without him knowing my name, what I looked like or even if the information I provided him with was true. Finally, I gave enough hints for him to find me on Facebook. We were both online at the same time, so as soon as the friendship request was sent, I accepted and the texting stopped. Scouring through his pictures I could tell he wasn’t my type. And I’m pretty sure he noticed the same thing while going through my profile. He never texted me again.

Later that week I walked by him on campus. We both looked at each other. As soon as we made eye contact, we knew. But neither of us said a word and continued to walk.

The equivalent of meeting someone at a bar, getting their number, going on at least one date and then never speaking again all transpired through technology.

Most conversations lasted several hours, but I had a few that spanned over a couple of days. Most of these people also asked for my Twitter handle or my email. I guess having someone’s phone number is no longer sufficient.

Anonymous2: lol Sup Amanda how’d it going? Wat a sh*tty Wednesday
ME: Hey! I took a spur of the moment trip to New Jersey so my Wednesday is actually lookin good! I shouldn’t txt though because of long distance. I’m back Friday night!
Anonymous2: Oh dayum jerseyyy lucky, I must say I envy you. I hope it doesn’t charge to receive texts, do u have facebook? No long distance lol, if u do my email is **********@msn.com and I made the email years ago so don’t judge lol

After adding him on Facebook, he proceeded to comment on some of my photos. I felt the need to tell him about my experiment. We remained in touch and when I returned, I interviewed him. I was curious about what made him want to respond to my original message. He said that he had unlimited texting and thought it would be fun. When asked if he would’ve called if the message had specified to do so he said no. “I feel like it’s safer to text,” he said. “I don’t even call my friends. I just text.”

During my experiment I didn’t receive one phone call from an unknown number.

Giving out your digits used to be a big deal. It provided people with a direct connection to you. We are now immersed in an era where giving out your number is not weighted the way it used to be. I had 12 strangers text me from unblocked numbers. I would argue that text messaging has provided people with a façade of disconnection, compared to the intimacy a phone call can provide. This is why texting has become so widespread. It’s also why it’s seen as the first step in getting to know someone. And apparently, many people will even text a stranger, just for the heck of it.

~Amanda Cupido