Research led by Stanford University reveals that using texting abbreviations can make individuals appear less sincere and reduce the likelihood of receiving replies.
In a digital age where texting has become the primary mode of communication, a new study led by Stanford University suggests that shorthand messages often come across as insincere. According to the research, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, abbreviating words in texts can negatively impact how the sender is perceived and lower the chances of receiving a response.
The study was conducted through eight experiments involving over 5,300 participants. The findings consistently showed that individuals who relied on abbreviations like “IDK” (I don’t know) or “GOAT” (greatest of all time) were seen as less sincere and more likely to be ignored.
“In daily interactions, we often encounter people who could be considered good texters or poor texters,” lead author David Fang, a doctoral student in behavioral marketing at Stanford, said in a news release. “We thought texters might like abbreviations because it would convey an informal sense of closeness, so we were surprised that abbreviations elicited negative perceptions about people who use them.”
Text messaging is now a dominant form of communication, with nearly everyone using it daily. However, this study brings to light an important nuance: while shorthand can save time, it might also diminish the quality of social interactions. The research revealed that texters who used full words instead of abbreviations were perceived as putting more effort into the conversation, thereby appearing more genuine and receiving more responses.
The comprehensive study spanned different platforms and scenarios, including Discord group chats, dating situations and conversation histories from Tinder users in 37 countries. The participants rated their texting conversations based on whether the other person used abbreviations.
The results were telling. Texters who used abbreviations received shorter replies, fewer responses and were less likely to exchange contact information.
Interestingly, while younger people were more inclined to use abbreviations, they also shared a general aversion to them.
“While our overall results on age were mixed, it’s clear that younger people are not particularly fond of abbreviations, though the strength of this aversion may vary by age,” Fang added.
The implications extend beyond mere text conversations. Fang suggests that over-relying on abbreviations could lead to weakened social bonds and a sense of loneliness. However, he also emphasizes the importance of context in communication.
“We often tailor the effort we put into conversations to match the significance of the relationship. In some cases, it makes sense to invest less effort and accept being perceived as less sincere, like quickly texting with a delivery driver,” added Fang. “However, 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.”
The study suggests that small changes in how we communicate can have significant impacts on our social interactions and relationships. For those looking to deepen their connections and ensure their messages are well-received, the advice is clear: take the time to spell it out.