If it sometimes seems like everyone around you is text messaging in class, that just may be the case, according to a new survey.

A recent Associated Press-AOL-Pew survey found that people 18 to 29 years old use extra features on their cell hones like text messaging, snapping photos, checking e-mail and surfing the internet more than any other age group.

"I think this is a multitasking generation," Veena Raman, lecturer in the College of Communications, said.

She added that everything needs to be available immediately for this age group, which would explain the need for extra cell phone features including text messaging, e-mail and internet access.

"It is possible to integrate everything now," Raman said.

She added that advancements in technology for cell phone companies have also contributed to the popularity of multitasking features on cell phones.

"There is nothing stopping them," she said.

Students said they make use of the additional technology options.

"I don't go on the Internet, but I text all the time," Heather Stodart (junior-secondary education), said. "It's quick and easy if you want to talk to someone -- but don't actually want to talk to them. It's convenient."

Others also said they like the convenience of not having to actually speak with whom they are trying to communicate.

"I use texting if I don't feel like talking to them," Michael Gizzio (freshman-science) said.

Tom Meskey (senior-kinesiology) said he frequently text messages as well.

"I use it pretty often, sometimes during classes when I can't call people," he said.

But despite the abundance of texting, many Penn State students said they don't use the other features on their phones.

"I don't use the Internet. I use my camera, but not that often," Gizzio said.

Harry Max (senior-political science) said he has a Nextel phone.

Although he uses the walkie-talkie function specific to his cell phone, he said he doesn't use the other features often.

"I don't use the Internet so much," he said. "It's expensive. I use texting."

Aside from utility, Dethrell Garcia, a graduate student and sales representative of Sprint Express, 200 E. College Ave., said advertising plays a large role in how people shop for phones.

"Even if you don't use all the features, you just want the phone," he said. "You see your friend that has it, so you want to get it also."

Garcia also said the deals offered by a store have an impact on what kind of features a person is willing to pay for.

"I get people in here who want a smart phone, just because they want a smart phone, and some that are going to use all the functions of the phone," he said. "It depends on the person."

But whether or not the cell phone is used to its full potential, most agreed they wouldn't like to lose it.

"I dropped it in water one time. It was out of commission for a few days and I was completely lost. It's my lifeline," Sodart said.

Meskey also said he would not be happy to part with his cell phone, "especially since I don't have a land line. I think a lot of people would feel the same way."

"I left my phone in Vegas. I was horrified," Max said, though he recovered the phone. "If I go out of the house without my phone, I feel naked."