I have had a cell phone since 1991. Same phone number since then even. Of course, back then a cell phone was just a phone… that you used to make phone calls. That was it. Texting wasn’t a thing yet and wouldn’t be in widespread use for a few years. Apps on a handheld device was still science fiction.

So… do you mind telling the rest of us how to do this? I don’t see a setting anywhere to change this behavior.

… really? Then you have your answer. If you just think typing like a child is fun then you are a child. Age in years doesn’t matter.