Psychology In The News | Text Abbreviations and Sincerity

New research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology reveals a surprising truth about our texting habits: while most of us regularly use abbreviations like ‘lol’ or ‘idk’ these shortcuts might be damaging our social connections.

In a comprehensive study led by Stanford University researcher David Fang, eight experiments involving over 5,300 participants across 37 countries demonstrated that using text abbreviations makes people appear less sincere and results in fewer and shorter responses from others.

The findings challenge common assumptions about texting culture. Whilst 99% of people report using abbreviations and 84% believe others don't mind them, the research shows that abbreviated messages consistently create negative impressions. Perhaps most tellingly, only 15.8% of participants correctly predicted this negative impact, while 80% assumed others would be indifferent to abbreviations.

The research included various experimental approaches, from analysing Discord group chats to studying Tinder conversations and conducting text-based speed dating scenarios. In one particularly revealing laboratory experiment, heterosexual adults participated in text-based speed dates where one person was secretly instructed to use either full words or abbreviations. Those who used complete words were rated as more sincere and received more positive responses, including a higher likelihood of their dating partners sharing contact information.

The study's analysis of field-based Tinder data supported this laboratory-based research. Researchers examined over 200,000 conversations from 686 users spanning 37 countries and five continents. When measuring the frequency of abbreviations in these messages, they discovered a clear pattern: conversations containing more abbreviations consistently died out faster. This correlation remained strong even after accounting for demographic variables like age, gender, and education level.

‘We thought texters might like abbreviations because it would convey an informal sense of closeness,’ Fang explained. ‘So we were surprised that abbreviations elicited negative perceptions about people who use them.’ He noted that while younger people tend to use more abbreviations, they still generally don't prefer receiving them.

However, Fang doesn't suggest completely abandoning abbreviations. Context matters: quick exchanges with delivery drivers, for instance, don't require the same level of effort as building new relationships or making first impressions. The key is recognising when sincerity matters most.

For those looking to strengthen their digital connections, the message is clear: taking the extra time to spell out words completely could lead to stronger relationships and more meaningful interactions in our increasingly text-based world.

Reference: Texting abbreviations makes senders seem insincere, study finds https://www.sciencedaily.com/r... (accessed 28.1.25)

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