EN
The aim of the paper is to determine the genre status of text messages. The author proves that the text message is a genologic sign of our times. It is a an example of a 'mixture' form - a polymorphic, polythematic, and polyfunctional hybrid that is difficult to be qualified genologically because it shows a similarity to a letter and to a conversation (colloquial genres). However, it has still numerous features that make us classify it as a separate genre evolving in accordance with the culture development rhythm.