Sometimes it’s tempting to respond to text messages with a quick “LOL” or “BRB.”
But sending abbreviations like these – short for ‘laugh out loud’ and ‘be right back’ – can make you come across as insincere, a study suggests.
Researchers say people should spell words out in full instead of shortening them if you want to seem authentic and get more responses.
A team from Stanford University in California conducted eight texting experiments involving more than 5,300 people.
Analysis found that people who used text message abbreviations such as ‘FWIW’ – instead of spelling out ‘for what it’s worth’ – were perceived as more disingenuous.
They were also less likely to receive a response because they put less effort into text conversations.
“In everyday interactions, we often encounter people who could be considered good or bad texters,” said lead researcher David Fang.
“We thought texters would like abbreviations because it would convey an informal sense of connection, so we were surprised that abbreviations created negative perceptions about people who use them.”
Sometimes it’s tempting to respond to text messages with a quick “LOL” or “BRB.” But sending abbreviations like these – short for ‘laugh out loud’ and ‘be right back’ – can make you come across as insincere, a study suggests (stock image)
Texting has become a dominant form of digital communication, and most texters use some abbreviations, including “IDK” for “I don’t know” or “GOAT” for “greatest of all time.”
Texting has become a dominant form of digital communication.
And most texters use some abbreviations, including “IDK” for “I don’t know” or “GOAT” for “greatest of all time.”
In one of the studies conducted by the researchers, 99 percent of people said they used text message abbreviations.
Meanwhile, 84 percent didn’t believe others would dislike abbreviations.
The team found that while young people tend to use more text message abbreviations, they are still not fans of them.
“Although our overall results were mixed in terms of age, it is clear that younger people are not as keen on abbreviations,” Mr Fang said.
He warned that text message abbreviations could contribute to loneliness as people find social bonds weakening over time as they receive fewer frequent or positive responses to their text messages.
However, he doesn’t believe people should stop using abbreviations altogether.
Analysis found that people who used text message abbreviations such as ‘FWIW’ – instead of spelling out ‘for what it’s worth’ – were perceived as more insincere
“We often tailor the effort we put into conversations based on the meaning of the relationship,” he said.
‘In some cases it makes sense to put in less effort and accept that you are perceived as less sincere, such as quickly texting a delivery person.
‘However, our findings are especially relevant when we want to appear more sincere and strengthen social bonds, such as at the beginning of a relationship or when we want to make a good impression.’
The findings were published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.