# Smexting The SMS Phenomenon Caused By Smoking Bans By Bianca | Published 2007-08-12 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smexting-the-sms-phenomenon-caused-by-smoking-bans References: [dailymail](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=473740) Ever since the public smoking ban was set in the UK, a record number of [text messages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/costa-coffee-hypeline) have been sent, a phenomenon the [Daily Mail](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/azamara-cruises) has dubbed, "smexting". For many people, smoking is a very social habit. It's often one of the easiest ways to strike up a conversation and meet new people. "In the two weeks after the ban on smoking in confined spaces came into force on 1 July, mobile phone company Orange said 7.5 million more texts than normal were sent across its network." Forced to move outside when they go for a fag, smokers have had to rely on other ways to socialize as finding a fellow cigarette addict outdoors isn't as easy as inside the office lounge. Either that, or it's all those people who used the ban as a motivator to butt out looking for another way to keep their hands and mouths busy. A major part of [cigarette addiction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quit-snus-addiction) is the motion of doing it, of having something to do -- hence the reason people tend to gain weight when they finally quit. Perhaps cell phones will be the next way to stop over-eating, and potentially, help with the growing obesity problem. The cost of increased texting would probably be equivalent to what a smoker used to spend on their nic fix anyway. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [World News](https://www.trendhunter.com/worldnews) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Increased Text Messaging:** The smoking ban has led to a surge in text messaging as smokers seek alternative ways to socialize. - **Socializing Outdoors:** Smoking bans have forced people to socialize outdoors, creating opportunities for new forms of social interaction. - **Behavioral Substitution:** Individuals may compensate for the loss of smoking by engaging in other addictive behaviors, such as increased phone use. ### Where This Applies - **Telecommunications:** Telecommunications companies can capitalize on the increased demand for text messaging services. - **Outdoor Entertainment:** Outdoor entertainment and socializing industries can provide new experiences and venues for social interaction. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can explore innovative solutions to prevent weight gain and aid in smoking cessation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nicotine-Quitting Gamification Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unsmoke.md) - [Vaping Cessation Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stopfuckingvaping.md) - [QSR-Backed SMS Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-1.md) - [AI Smoking Cessation Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cessation-app.md) - [Acrylic Smartphone Addiction Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/methaphone.md) - [Social Habit Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nicquit.md) - [Swapped Phone Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitkat-phone-break.md) - [Timer-Based Quitting Support](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quit-smoking-or-vaping.md) - [Text Message Shopping Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/textual.md)