Shortcuts in Life
In today’s current fast-paced way of living, we often find we are short of time or even already too late buried under the mountain of items to check off in our daily to-do list. So it is a no-brainer that time-saving tools or means to get things done are very attractive and tempting to keep our sanity intact and stress levels at a minimum. Businesses that recognize the increasing demand for efficiency will quickly fill in the gap to take advantage of this lucrative potential by justifying that they are only giving people what they need. That is a temporary fix to a recurrent problem that will not go away until the root cause is found and resolved at the source of origin. So the problem will keep growing and growing to a pandemic, which is exactly what keeps these businesses alive while they continue to tap on it.
One of the most common practices that we have been introduced to, picked up and habituated is the use of short-form texting in communication, like abbreviations, acronyms and even emojis. Their uses are not limited only to technological platforms but also permeate into our daily lives, such as in formal face-to-face conversations and official correspondence at the workplace, with businesses or government agencies. What started as a casual or informal means to communicate has become a widespread commonplace occurrence where the consequences are ignored or taken for granted. That just goes to show how the nature of the mind works when adopting and adapting to what and how new knowledge, concepts or ideas are introduced. The mind is a learning processor, or you can say that its primary function is nothing more than to know, learn or understand.
How then does the habit of using short-form text affect the way the mind works? Let us see in a wider context to enable us to observe directly in our own experiences, and explore when and how it is appropriate to be used. Rather than taking for granted that it is to be applied all the time in an automatic response to every situation, without fully understanding the consequences of it. Firstly, short-form text can reduce cognitive load in some instances. For example, using abbreviations or symbols to represent complex concepts or actions can make communication quicker and less mentally taxing, allowing us to process information faster. However, if the text is too cryptic or lacks clarity, it can cause confusion, making it harder to comprehend and retain new information. If we wish for others to understand the meaning behind the words with clarity and ease, then it may not be appropriate in that instance.
Secondly, when it comes to memory, the use of short-form text makes information more concise or memorable, like mnemonics or abbreviations. Hence, it can help reinforce concepts by simplifying the input. On the flip side, if short-form text is overused or hinders understanding, such as leaving out necessary details or relying on unclear shorthand, it can reduce the depth of impression in the mind. This could potentially impair long-term retention, as the mind may not form as many neural connections related to the skill or concept. In other words, sufficient relevance, impression or perspectives will benefit how well new knowledge is retained in the mind and recalled from memory.
Thirdly, short-form text enables us to maintain focus by stripping away excess detail, allowing attention to remain on the most crucial elements. However, too much brevity can lead to missing key points or concepts, which might result in a lack of full understanding or a superficial grasp of the material. Our minds process short-form text differently than longer, fully-formed sentences. While it is good at recognizing patterns, overreliance on short-form communication could hinder development of critical thinking and deeper comprehension. For instance, using only abbreviated terms may limit one’s ability to fully analyze or critically engage with the material, as it does not lead to discernment in a deeper manner in relation to new information.
Furthermore, in the process of learning a new skill or knowledge, context is often key. Short-form text can sometimes create ambiguity or make it difficult to fully understand the application of a concept in a real-world setting. The mind may struggle to apply the learned material effectively if it was not properly contextualized. Hence, without fully comprehending the process of how, from the beginning, one progresses on towards mastery, we do not know where to begin, or we may be missing the clarity of direction and purpose. But the plus point of using short-form text is that it makes learning more approachable where we might feel more engaged in an informal casual setting. It could create a more relaxed, motivating learning environment for certain types of minds.
In addition, short-form text can be helpful for quickly conveying information and maintaining engagement, but when learning a new skill, it is important that it does not compromise understanding. The mind benefits from exposure to both concise communication and deeper, well-rounded explanations. If short-form text is used thoughtfully and wisely—backed by full explanations and applied in contexts where brevity enhances understanding rather than oversimplifying it and creating more confusion—it can contribute positively to the learning process. Especially if the short-form text is widely known or familiar already to the audience.
In conclusion, knowing when and how to use short-form text to fully benefit the audience we are communicating with is crucial when sharing our understanding of such a profound teaching where few minds choose to walk the path. The same applies to all the shortcuts we reinforce in our daily life. Do we see the impact it has on how it shapes the mind? If it is beneficial, then the mind will understand and use it in a wise manner. But until then, be interested and observe in your moment to moment experiences what and how the mind is working. To learn more about this nature of mind, do attend WISE's upcoming events.
TTYL,
Khan Hui Yee
1 July 2025