Abstract: The rapidly growing social phenomenon of texting has attracted researchers from diverse disciplines who seek to study its effects. Texting typically involves the use of abbreviations and other shortcuts to craft cell phone messages. Collectively, these abbreviations and shortcuts are referred to as “text speak.” The authors observe that some mnemonics are very similar in form to various types of text speak. Based on the similarities, it is hypothesized that heavy texters will be more receptive to mnemonics and thus benefit more from them. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant relationship between heavy texting and the efficacy of mnemonics; however, the relationship is negative rather than positive as was hypothesized. Possible explanations, implications, and future research are discussed.

Keywords: texting, mnemonics, text speak

Download this article: ISEDJ - V9 N2 Page 27.pdf

Recommended Citation: Ryker, R. E., Viosca, C., Lawrence, S., Kleen, B. (2011). Texting and the Efficacy of Mnemonics: Is Too Much Texting Detrimental?. Information Systems Education Journal, 9(2) pp 27-33. http://isedj.org/2011-9/ ISSN: 1545-679X. (A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of ISECON 2010)