A messaging application for use on electronic devices, each electronic device having a display and a connection to a communication system. The application has two modes, a first mode in which the symbols of text messages are concealed and a second mode in which the symbols of a text message are displayed, the application controlling the display of text on the display according to an algorithm. The algorithm detects whether the application is in the first mode or the second mode, and if the application is in the first mode the current symbol entered is displayed and any previously entered symbols entered with the application in the first mode are concealed.