SMS for dating sets new trend among youngsters in TN

Chennai, Jan 7 (UNI) Youths in Tamil Nadu, especially those in the state capital, have now taken to Short Messaging Service (SMS) to date their friends and know more about them even without stepping out of homes.

The generation next is tapping into the insatiable world of SMS to hook onto Mr Right or Miss Right and it is in a way making each day the Valentine Day.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Airtel, Aircel, Hutch, Reliance and TataIndicom are helping users find dates, keep in touch with friends and share photos.

Mobile dating began a year ago when mobile service providers launched the SMS special packages in the state. With the mobile subscriber base of over four million in Chennai alone, the service providers have struck the cupid's arrow right in the hearts of teenagers.

Even a lower middle class youth has now access to latest hi-tech mobiles as they are easily available at affordable prices in the booming second hand markets.

''You may put something in text which you can't dream of telling directly to someone,'' B Ramkumar, a second year student told UNI, adding that he spent more than Rs 1000 a month on SMSs.

As the popularity of mobile dating soars high, the service providers offer low rates for dating SMSs at 30-90 paise each.

While on the one hand college students are usually seen tapping keys of their mobiles to fix the text for dating, many people belonging to the older generation are also coming to terms with the new trend.

''If it is decent, I don't mind seeing the young generation getting hooked to this,'' said Ms T K Lakshmi, a government high school teacher and a mother of two.

UNI