Krejames: now it is a GB approved practice. I know when I was out "in service" the sisters would call their bible studys to see if they were home and to confirm the time. I guess texting was the next logical step.
I went to a conference for my job. One of the speakers talked about the different ways different generations of employees work and how they were influenced by the technology they grew up with.
They compared the 0nes born around 1945/ the Traditionalists, the Baby Boomers ( 60s generation), Gen.x (80s) and the Millennial ( 2000 ).
I think the Society is trying to keep up with the times and include ways to keep the younger generations of JW engaged in the ministry. They probably have the same research as other businesses.