Function

• The primary function of minimizing long text is to communicate with the recipient in the shortest number of characters and spaces possible. The number of continued messages is significantly reduced without losing the meaning and content of the text message. The end of long text messages are cut-off or deleted at the 160 character limit. The text recipient never views the entire conversation. A large number of texts, confusion and lost messages result if users do not minimize the length of text messages.
  
  

Acronyms

• The use of acronyms enables users to minimize long text messages. You can convey larger amounts of information within the character limits of SMS. For example, if a user wants to thank someone for a gift, he can type the acronym "ty" instead of "thank you," which comprises of nine characters. Numerical abbreviations further reduce the size of long text messages for SMS. You can abbreviate words such as "to" and "for" with the numerals "2" and "4."
  
  

Time

• In the beginning, learning to minimize long text messages can be time consuming. Users have to find out the meaning of the acronyms sent to them to understand the messages. However, after practice, many people become comfortable with acronyms and find that using them actually saves them time in sending and receiving text messages. Since more information can be sent per text message, you save additional time by being able to effectively communicate without the traditional grammar and spelling rules used in other forms of writing.
  
  

Considerations

• It is important to consider the type of acronyms used. Often, people within a specific group naturally develop a set of acronyms to minimize long text messages. For example, "omw" might mean the phrase "on my way" or "oh my word," depending on the users sending and receiving the acronym. The meaning changes significantly for the same acronym. Take into consideration that new users in the group must learn the acronyms and your message may not be initially understood. Additional texts may be necessary to clarify the shorthand language.
  
  

Warnings

• Take the time to ask children what the different acronyms mean that repeatedly appear in their text messages. This enables parents to monitor and supervise the text messages efficiently. Parents might find the shortened text messages to be a foreign language or gibberish if they do not understand SMS and acronyms.