Time is a scarce resource and the present generation is perhaps the most aware of the scarcity of time than any other. This focus on lack has added rush to all that one does these days.
One of the things most rushed is communication, and its hurriedness has been augmented by the advent and use of web-based messaging applications. One often finds cryptic single syllable and single lettered messages such as, k for okay, cu for see you, ty for thank you, and I can go on.
However, this kind of hurried communication does more harm than good.
When one writes using this modern shorthand one is definitely conveying a sense of urgency and lack of time in replying. The recipient of the message can perhaps understand and not get perturbed by such a cryptic message if he/she receives it from someone once in a blue moon. However, if such is the choice of words on most occasions by that sender, the reader is definitely going to take offence. It conveys a lack of intention to communicate in proper sentences. As it is, the communication is not a simultaneous two-way street when one is interacting over messages; it is a one-way street opening up for either side at times of convenience and availability. This relaying of messages is hampered when one is disrespectful to the time and attention spent by the other in reading and writing messages, by not forming a proper sentence before pressing the send button.
Furthermore, if one is attempting to ride on the lingua franca bandwagon by using short-forms invented by youngsters to come across as young and hip, then one is definitely succeeding at it. However, if one happens to be at a mature and a responsible position in life as a father, business owner, head of a department in an organisation, teacher, thought leader, et al, then adopting such a vocabulary is not going to help one’s role, rather hinder it. Using such words for casual interaction even, in any situation reduces influence and authority.
In fact, a good tool to gauge the intrinsic personality of an individual is a chat with that person. Organisations that invest hugely in acquiring the right talent and are thorough in recruitment, are employing the technique of assessing how an applicant responds to a casual chat over an impersonal medium such as a messaging service, to determine the suitability of the profile for the role. Such interactions provide much more reliable insights into the attitude and thinking of the candidate than an in-person formal interview, where the latter comes prepared and completely on-guard.
Thus, the habit and style of communication have serious implications in every sphere of life, and they cannot be treated lightly. One can consciously work on writing complete sentences and complete words to fulfill one of the basic tenets of communication, that is, ‘completeness’, thereby avoiding texting mishaps at all times.
The link for the video is below: