Study: Short Texts Might Come Off as Rude

Let’s be honest:  This is NOT an era of “peak language.”  Everyone is constantly looking for ways to write, read, and speak LESS . . . and with fewer actual words.

There’s very little “writing.”  We’re really only texting and DMing, and those messages are a mix of short abbreviations, slang, and emojis that can look like you’re trying to solve a puzzle from “Classic Concentration“.

In a survey of American texters between the ages of 18 to 65, 90% say they regularly use abbreviations in their daily messages.  And 84% think that those shortcuts are a GOOD thing, and have a positive effect when received.

But according to a new study, it can feel like a brush-off if messages are TOO SHORT . . . because it seems like the texter didn’t put any effort into writing the message.

They’re talking about stuff like “plz,” “sry,” “ty,” or “idk” . . . for “please,” “sorry,” “thank you,” or “I don’t know.”

And if the message isn’t understood right away, it can be confusing and “disengaging.”

That’s true for anyone:  Strangers, family, friends on social media, and new connections on dating apps.

The researchers say this doesn’t mean you should stop using common abbreviations like “lol.”  But taking more time can make your messages feel more sincere, and express that you value the person on the other end.  Even if it’s just SPELLING OUT WORDS.

(The Independent)

As a counterpoint:  We’ve also seen stories about how using proper language and simple punctuation, like periods . . . can come across as “rude,” unfriendly, serious, or even angry.

And there are also times when people think certain things shouldn’t be expressed over text . . . even though that’s essentially the default now.

So you can’t win.  The key is:  Just be consistent, and respond to messages.  It’s better to get a response that you can’t understand than none at all.