Acronyms are Diluting Meaning

Something has been on my mind and bothering me lately...

As we continue to communicate in a digital age, acronyms have become increasingly popular. However, the overuse of acronyms is becoming a problem. As a member of "Generation X", I've noticed that we have played a major role in the mainstreaming of acronyms. From our AIM (no pun intended) days, we have created acronyms that are now so popular that we never say the words out loud anymore (e.g. LOL, ROFL, SMH, etc.)

Acronyms are meant to save time and space, but they can also lead to confusion and misunderstandings. If the acronym isn't widely accepted and 100% understood, then the acronym becomes useless to the origin of the definition. In some cases, the acronym is completely misinterpreted, misused and misunderstood.

I have, over the past few weeks, begun to try and avoid using acronyms where there is much debate. I started looking inward first by my own acronym, "UX". There truly is no common understanding of the acronym. So much so, that folks try to put another acronym next to it in hopes of supporting it, "UI/UX". Ummm, SMH! I now have design folks say to me that they don't want to be labeled with this acronym and wish to be called "Product" designer. Well, that really doesn't solve the problem!!! It only serves to complicate it further. 🤔

Now, when I introduce myself, I say, "Hi I'm Craig Bachman, a User Experience Professional." I avoid the acronyms to get you to start thinking. We can have more critical thinking discussions about it, rather than an awkward understanding and erosion of the definition the acronym attempts to save time and space.

Acronyms are eroding the definitions of our languages. Please do not use an acronym if you know it's not widely accepted or 100% understood by majorities. And also, let's not forget, CONTEXT MATTERS!!!

Just. a concerned human in a world that is going through the next human transformation age. Let's be conscious and empathetic to one another.

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