Teens of today text with abbreviations of commonly used phrases more than with emojis. They say that it is easier and more convenient than searching for the right emoji.
Abbreviations used during texting are phrases that teens use often. For example, “to be honest” is shortened to “tbh,” or “got to go” is known as “gtg”. This saves time texting extra letters. Some abbreviations only shorten the word count by a little, but teens still say they are easier to type.
Abbreviations aren’t the only way for teens to text fewer letters. Cutting out certain letters in words is also a common way to type, like shortening “thanks” to “thx”. This keeps the same meaning in the word, and it saves time.
Abbreviating words are not only faster than finding the right emoji, but also can communicate more than just emotions from simple emojis. Lyn Stone, the founder of Lifelong Literacy says, “Abbreviated words – and abbreviated phrases like ‘BTW’ and ‘IMHO’ – have slightly more depth to them and can communicate abstract concepts beyond simple objects, actions or feelings.” Emojis were created to show emotions and communicate longer messages through a couple of images. Abbreviated words can do that but with more meaning than just a small face.
These small images can also be easily misinterpreted. “In contrast to emojis, abbreviations can be more efficient in expressing whole sentences and have very specific and widely understood meaning compared to emojis, which risk being misinterpreted,” said Suzie Shaw, the CEO of We Are Social, a media company that studies in online behaviors across platforms. Abbreviated words are clearer than emojis.
Certainly, emojis have their moments, and texters apply them in creative ways, often with meanings other than what they literally portray. But for more straightforward communication, teens today are clear: abbreviations trump emojis.
Abbreviations used during texting are phrases that teens use often. For example, “to be honest” is shortened to “tbh,” or “got to go” is known as “gtg”. This saves time texting extra letters. Some abbreviations only shorten the word count by a little, but teens still say they are easier to type.
Abbreviations aren’t the only way for teens to text fewer letters. Cutting out certain letters in words is also a common way to type, like shortening “thanks” to “thx”. This keeps the same meaning in the word, and it saves time.
Abbreviating words are not only faster than finding the right emoji, but also can communicate more than just emotions from simple emojis. Lyn Stone, the founder of Lifelong Literacy says, “Abbreviated words – and abbreviated phrases like ‘BTW’ and ‘IMHO’ – have slightly more depth to them and can communicate abstract concepts beyond simple objects, actions or feelings.” Emojis were created to show emotions and communicate longer messages through a couple of images. Abbreviated words can do that but with more meaning than just a small face.
These small images can also be easily misinterpreted. “In contrast to emojis, abbreviations can be more efficient in expressing whole sentences and have very specific and widely understood meaning compared to emojis, which risk being misinterpreted,” said Suzie Shaw, the CEO of We Are Social, a media company that studies in online behaviors across platforms. Abbreviated words are clearer than emojis.
Certainly, emojis have their moments, and texters apply them in creative ways, often with meanings other than what they literally portray. But for more straightforward communication, teens today are clear: abbreviations trump emojis.