WASHINGTON – Texting is so 2012.

Fewer people are sending text messages as more are favoring instant message apps such as WhatsApp and SnapChat, according to researchers.

Analysts at Deloitte predict two times more instant messages will be sent than text messages in 2014, according to CNET. The number of text sent fell for the first time in 2013, researchers found.

While fewer are choosing text messaging for phone communication, it isn’t disappearing just yet. Analysts found there was still a total of 145 billion texts sent in 2013 — 7 billion texts fewer than in 2012, according to CNET.

Related links:

• Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel talks sexts and growth
• ‘Need to reach out and connect’ prompts rise in texting and driving
• Convenience, anonymity among trends for smartphone apps in 2014

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