Why do young people, (who have more energy) abbreviate so much when they type like it's hard work?

Question

Whew! sorry for that run-on sentence.
Anyways, shouldn't older, more worn out people, be doing that more instead? lol.

Answer 1

bc its ezr to type more in the same time when u abbvt

Answer 2

I don't think energy has anything to do with it. I think it is more attributed to laziness, or some may lack the ability to spell or appreciate grammar. Then, there is always the fact that it is easier and perhaps there are some non-typers out there. Unfortunately, I see these same abbreviations on my students 'formal written essays' and they think it's perfectly acceptable! Imagine the sludge I have to wade through to get them to realize it is not acceptable in the world of business. Perhaps in this arena, it's more acceptable. I'm older and an educator, so I have to be responsible and an example: which means- even if I do know how to "abbreviate", I am staying sharp by writing and spelling correctly. (smile) Also, I learned to type on an Underwood typewriter back in the 60s. My speed is about 85 wpm. It's just the sign of the times. (smile)

Answer 3

Well, three reasons mostly:
1) They want to follow the crowd
2) They use txt spk on cellphones so they're used to abbreviating words
3) They're just that stupid/ignorant

It's mostly the first one though and rarely ever the third one (with the exception of some honest misspellings). Most of the time, they just don't bother typing "correctly". Teens mostly talk to other teens and when they see that others talk like that, they immediately think that it's the kEwL and acceptable thing to do. I know this from experience, being a teenager myself(I was never really in a txt spk mode though. I don't know why). We have so many intelligent people in our school who know the English language quite well but still insist on using txt spk. (I don't really have a problem with abbreviations as long as it's not overused. Like the occasional 'lol' and 'btw' are fine, but not "omg i wunna fynd a qt bf coz lyk im so lonlie!!! asl?????") I disagree when a lot of teenagers tell me that it "saves time". I guess it does, but not a lot of time. After all, what's the difference between typing 'boy' and 'boi'? Or 'girls' and 'gurlz'? Or 'wunna' and 'wanna'? Nothing. Plus, typing all the letters hones my typing skills.

As for adults using txt spk... please don't start (although I have seen some adults do it). :) The internet will be in trouble then.

Answer 4

Well, first of all, younger people can type much faster than older people because of the major role that computers play in their lives, relatively speaking. Personally, the only way for me to communicate more quickly is to verbalize it. Think of abbreviations as a type of non-verbal slang.

Secondly, I have found (I am 28 years old, btw) that not many peers (or younger) make presume to know the motivations behind someone's usage (or modifications thereof) of the English language.

Besides, its hard work trying to communicate to older people cuz they tend to have very firmly implanted preconceived ideas and assumptions about the world and its inhabitants.

(btw = by the way)

:)

Answer 5

Young people like myself can't all type at high speeds. Keeping that in mind, abreviation can make paragraphs into sentences online while still getting your meaning accross so it seams to me only natural that young people would do such a thing. I used to type in solid abbreviations back in highschool till my senior year i took a computer class just because i needed one more class and i wanted one with no homeork, anywho.. to keep from dying of boredom i did the typing program they had us do, and since i already had been playing guitar for years so my hand dexterity was high, my typing speed went up to 120 wpm simple text to 140 complicated text. Needless to say there is no longer any need to abreviate, but I still think it only natural and resonable for the young people who havn't mastered their typing skill and havn't yet been properly motivated to do so to abreviate almost everything for the time being.

Answer 6

you know...to be honest, i don't know thing the way a person type has to do with if their ignorant or not. and it shouldnt' be stereotyped either that "older" people type out the words while the "younger" crowd rather type in abbreviations. most times, yeah it has to do with crowds, because when you read it, you get in the habit of typing it. and its much quicker, and the person will understand you, so its like...why not take the short cut, because if your fast typest, your mind moves quick and you think faster than your fingers can move and abbv. helps.. cellphones and IM's are possible reasons, but lets not stereotype...people have their differences in expression... and just to let you know, i type in abbreviations too.. lol

Answer 7

You have to understand that they type SO much that they have a strong need to get things written quickly. Text messaging, IM, MySpace, dozens of forums and blogs... young people get around A LOT on the internet. Older people can appreciate the satisfaction that comes with taking your time and doing things right.

Answer 8

That trend was birthed from chat rooms because it allows for faster conversations. Also younger people tend to lack patience. Additionally, if a parent is looking over their shoulder or tracking their conversations on-line, it allows kids to speak in code. Hope this helps.

Answer 9

In this country, many young people are more or less "addicted" to SMS (short message system - mobile) - if there are 160 characters available only for a message, then one gets used to short texts.

Answer 10

I think it's because they grew up with all the technology we have now. It's like breathing to them. They use it to IM and text-messaging because it's easier and it's logical. Is there an abbreviation for text-messaging?.

Answer 11

no, because for those people you know any abbreviation is easier for them. sometimes they can't spell the word so they abbreviate it. plus older people want to be especially understood when they're talking. lol, of course i don't know that from experience. lol