If you missed out on Valentines cards in the post this morning, dont worry – you still might get a text. 31 per cent of adult mobile phone users in the UK like to flirt using SMS, according to a study by mobile messaging company Acision. And 60 per cent of under-34s have sent I love you messages via SMS. Its not all good news for young lovers, though – 18 per cent of 18-25s admitted to ending a relationship through text messages.

The study, completed by research company Vanson Bourne as part of wider research on mobile messaging habits, also looked at other messaging services, finding that 45 per cent of respondents who use MMS have done so for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day – and more would use the service if it were less expensive.

“The nation’s passion for mobile technologies certainly seems to be paving the way for passionate communications with our loved ones,” says Steven Van Zanen, Acision SVP marketing & strategy. “Twenty years ago a Valentines Day card and a bunch of red roses was the most appropriate way to say ‘I love you,’ however today it seems messaging is just as acceptable. It is, after all, the message, not the method that counts – and the reliability, ubiquity, simplicity, affordability and instantaneous nature of SMS has cemented its popular appeal amongst lovers for showing just how we feel.”