Over 90% of 700 teens in a study by Pew Institute communicate with peers online by text messaging, instant chat, and so forth. However, the majority (60%) told researchers they do not consider online communication "real writing."

"There is clearly a big gap in the minds of teenagers between 'real' writing they do for school and the texts they compose for their friends," said the co-author of the Pew report, Amanda Lenhart.

Over 85% of the teens said they believe good writing is essential to their future success.