Study Says: Using Abbreviations In Texts Can Make You Seem Insincere

When you’re sending a text, do you spell every single word out, or do you use abbreviations? Depending on who we’re texting, most of us have been known to abbreviate here and there. And while it can save you some typing time, a new study finds that it doesn’t make a good impression.

Those of us who use texting abbreviations like FWIW (for what it’s worth), IDK (I don’t know) or GOAT (greatest of all time) are perceived as less sincere, according to the research from Stanford University. But that’s not all, they’re also less likely to receive replies.

• For the study, researchers did a series of eight experiments involving over 53-hundred people.
• Study authors analyzed replies to conversations in Discord group chats, dating apps and sites across 37 countries.
• The experiments reveal that texters who used abbreviations got shorter and fewer responses.
• While young people tend to use more texting abbreviations, even they weren’t fans of getting texts with tons of abbreviations.

“Our findings are especially relevant when we want to appear more sincere and strengthen social ties, such as at the beginning of a relationship or when we need to make a good impression,” said lead study author David Fang. But he also thinks these abbreviations can be useful in the right context, explaining, “In some cases, it makes sense to invest less effort and accept being perceived as less sincere, like quickly texting with a delivery driver.”

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Scott's Thoughts:

• While I’m not using abbreviations like this with my friends, who cares what the Uber Eats driver thinks?
• Texting is so much easier than talking. Or so it seems.
• Other than BRB, I don't use them much.