British are a nation of cowardly texters

The British, who once put great stock in being guardians of manners and good etiquette, have been undone by the advances of technology. More than 50 per cent of us would now rather apologise by text message than do it face-to-face or even over the phone.

Furthermore, 38 per cent of us would even turn down a personal invitation such as a wedding invite by text, rather go to any more effort to politely decline in person.

The mind boggles as to just how far this trend may develop. Perhaps it won't be long before somebody sends a text message along the lines of: "Can't do 2morro after all... black suit is @ the cleaners. will send sum flowers. Hope u find another pall bearer!"

Or maybe they already have.

However, worst of all is the 13 per cent of respondents who admitted to texting while driving.

The survey, conducted by mobile messaging company Freever, also goes on to paint an interesting picture of cowardly Brits deceiving, lying and generally cheating all and sundry with text messages.

Not exactly a case of 'no text please we're British' - apparently we can't get enough of it.

For example, 45 per cent of respondents have lied about their whereabouts by text message - such as sending a text that reads 'am at office late tonite. won't be home until 10-ish', before getting another round of beers in down the pub.

Mike Grenville, CEO of mobile messaging association 160 Characters, said: "Does technology mean we lie more? Maybe. Maybe this is also a reason why 3G video conferencing won't catch on. After all, maybe there are some benefits to the other half not being able to see where you are."

The survey also found that 40 per cent would rather use text to let someone know what they really think of them.

And recent developments have seen the text message becoming the tool of choice for those throwing 'a sickie'.

No more phoning up and saying in a croaky, wheezy voice: "I won't be coming in today I'm afraid. I'm in bed and feeling really sick. Think I might be coming down with that flu that's going around." Nowadays 22 per cent of us would send a text message saying the same, and give our acting skills a rest.

But Grenville was quick to point out that these findings may not be as negative as they first seem. Rather than people becoming ruder, perhaps we are just becoming more comfortable with technology as a part of our lives.

"You can look at these findings negatively or you could say this is evidence that texting is now considered to be an intimate and familiar way of contacting people," he said.

According to the findings, a stunning 56 per cent of respondents think it is acceptable to send a text message while dining in a restaurant, while 54 per cent think it is acceptable in a cinema.