Introduction Although the use of cell phones among teenagers is not new, previous studies (Irvine, 2013; Baron, 2013; Crystal, 2008) provide valuable insights on how teenagers use their smartphones on a daily basis beyond the normal functions (Irvine, 2013). In other words, they explore all capabilities of smartphone functionalities to enhance their experiences with search smart devices. A recent study by Pew Internet & American Life Project showed that 78 percent of teenagers (12 to 17 years old) had cell phones (Irvine, 2013) and the number of continues to grow steadily. Rainie, Rainie, and Wellman observe that daily life has become connected through endless e-mail messages and responses, continually arriving text messages, tweets and retweets, Facebook updates, pictures and videos to post and discuss” (Rainie, Rainie and Wellman, 2012), and teenagers have embraced this culture of a networked world through their smart communication devices. This study involved an interview with a teenager to reflect on how teenagers use their smartphones in everyday life. It explores texting and its impacts on real-life and online situations among teenagers. Given the abilities of smartphones to access the Internet and social media platforms, teenagers have turned their smart devices to tools of socialisation and communication in which texting is the most preferred mode of communication. Communication forms and contents remain confined to mobile culture among teenagers. These forms and contents of communications could be socially undesirable behaviours such as bullying, joking, and gossiping and substandard abbreviations and texting, which find their way in academic writings and socialisation. This essay argues that the use of smartphones among teenagers has negatively affected their academic writings and social activities. First, it shows that the use of slangs and abbreviation is common in both real-life and online communication and socialisation among teenagers. Second, texting has affected academic writing skills among teenagers. Finally, texting also mars teenagers’ real-life and online social relationships. How teenagers use their smartphones Past studies (Irvine, 2013; Baron, 2013; Crystal, 2008) have shown that teenagers use their mobile phones in different ways. As a result, they have developed unique distinct mobile culture in their communications and other usages. For instance, some studies have linked mobile phones to youth culture of “texting, business activities via data services or motherhood because it allows the notion of shifting roles between work and home” (Lacohée, Wakeford and Pearson, 2003). Hence, it is important to make a connection between mobile phone activities and their social roles, functionality, and cultural practices of their users. The growing use of mobile phones among teenagers indicates that none of them would avoid the use of the gadget to communicate. Texting, slangs, and abbreviations Teenagers send text messages than any other people who use mobile phones. This is a daily routine, which involves a circle of friends. According to the respondent, he texts his “friends and family several times a day”. In addition, the respondent noted that he is eager to communicate with his teachers and coaches. Texting defines how teenagers use their smartphones and other mobile devices for communication. He notes that texting is a simple form of communication. The respondent states, “I like texting bec