@Laura2592 Same as Kelly, I communicate with guests before arrival via Airbnb messaging, and sometimes through email, if I'm sending the map and directions ( I understand we can now add attachments to an Airbnb message). If a guest were to want to text instead, regardless of whether they said "hosts prefer it" (what an odd thing to say as a blanket statement, just because they may have had a few experiences like that), I would encourage the messaging.
I think a lot of people are just so used to texting or Whatsapp, that it's simply their preferred method of communicating. Just like a lot of young people refuse to answer the phone and only respond to texts.
I don't have any issue with texting or phoning once they have arrived, if it's just them letting me know they are getting the bus and will be here in an hour, and I even ask my single female guests to text or phone me if they are out past dark and are heading home, so I know when to expect them, or whether to be concerned for their welfare (they do appreciate this). But if it was a guest texting or phoning during the stay with complaints or something that could prove contentious, I would want to bring that back to the messaging system.
I have never travelled as a Airbnb guest myself, but if I did, I would want to text the host my arrival ETA and also get replies via text if I was in transit, because I don't "do" apps. Typing on a cell phone screen is far too aggravating for my working fingers.