After 20 years in existence, text messaging really took off about seven or eight years ago, peaked earlier this year, and is now on the way down with people using free alternatives like Apple's iMessage or WhatsApp.

So naturally, NOW the government is noticing it.  The FCC just announced that you'll be able to text your emergencies to 911 instead of calling as of May 15th, 2014.  All four major U.S. cell phone carriers are on board.

(FCC)