Texts spell end of birthday cards

LONDON: Waking up to a pile of cards from family and friends used to be a birthday ritual. But these days, messages of congratulation are increasingly likely to come by e-mail or text.

New figures from Ofcom – communications regulator in the UK – show that fewer people are sending cards.

Fewer than half of 35 to 54-year-olds interviewed said they had sent a greeting card or invitation in the previous month.

Instead, they wish friends and family a happy birthday by texting them, or using social networks.

Some send online greeting cards, or “e-cards”.

According to Ofcom, people under 44 say they prefer sending birthday greetings on a digital platform. Just one in five aged 16 to 24 thinks a mailed card is the best way to wish someone.

Sharon Little, of The UK’s Greeting Card Association, said oldfashioned birthday cards were scientifically proven to make recipients happier than e-cards or texts.

“Studies have shown that your brain lights up with all sorts of happy hormones when you receive an actual card,” she said.

The birthday card habit is still going strong among the over-55s, with the number of those claiming to have sent cards rising from 66% to 68%.

Well over half (57%) of those over the age of 65 say they prefer to wish someone happy birthday with a card, while just 17% of that age bracket opt for a digital greeting. – Daily Mail