2b or Not 2b? In this generation, technology has become an essential part of everyday life. The larger technology gets, the more people tend to rely on it. In the article “2b or Not 2b,” David Crystal, a professor at the University of Wales, explains his opinion about the abbreviation issue. He argues that texting is not depreciating the younger generation's minds. He explains that having shortcuts in text messages does not necessarily have a negative impact. He repeatedly shows the statistics of the positive effects of text messages over the negative. Crystal ineffectively writes about abbreviation being excellent for childrenand text messages not being used to save time; he effectively writes about abbreviations not just becoming a trend. In text messages, one tends to make a message shorter by abbreviating it. Crystal explains, “Texting has added a new dimension to language use…” (Crystal 337). My view, however, contrary to what Crystal has argued, is that abbreviating messages will allow bad habits for kids when they are in school. If they learn to abbreviate now they will include this “language” in their writing. Consequently, this, in return, will be a factor for bad grades in writing classes. Instead of saying before they might replace it with b4. Abbreviations will teach students bad habits and will eventually develop into starting to talk how they are texting. Abbreviating also teaches kids that the short way is just as good as the long way. Society would then start becoming lazy by not only short texting, but also by short talking. If they take this into life they will think being lazy about a job is okay due to doing it in other situations.The concise nature of instant messaging is intentional; this does not mean that an individual is lazy for using slang to convey a message faster. Text messages are short messages meant to be sent faster than any other way of communication. Crystal states,”But the need to save time and energy is by no means the whole story of texting” (Crystal 341). Many people would assume that the whole point of texting is to save time and energy, if we did not have texting we would have to call, send a letter, or email. To make a call, a person would have to dial a friend's number and ask them a small question, but instead, an individual can just text. All of these examples are more work than just simply texting someone. Sending a letter would require one to write on paper, buy a stamp, and purchase an envelope. For the messenger to receive it days later in the mail is a hassle An email would require on to turn on a computer, type a message, and wait for the messenger to have time to check their emails. Texting was made for people to have a new, faster way to email and get a couple seconds later. Abbreviations are not just starting and have been around for hundreds of years. The evidence shows, and Crystal explains that: ”Eric Partridge published his Dictionary of Abbreviations in 1942” (Crystal 339). This evidence explains that abbreviations are not just becoming the new texting fad. It is not just now becoming a popular way of communicating. Abbreviations have been a part of our language for over 50 years. Although it might not necessarily be good for our brains, it has been used for so long that it is probably not going to go away anytime soon. Abbreviations are a part of our texting culture and will be for many years to come. Today, many people are using cellphones as a way of communication more and more. In his article “ 2b or Not 2b,” David Crystal has a strong opinion about the way people are starting to abbreviate text messages. He believes abbreviation is good for the mind and explains the aspects of abbreviations. Crystal however, poorly argues that abbreviations are good for children and text messages not being used to save time; but productively explains that abbreviations are not just starting. Works Cited Crystal, David. "2b or Not 2b?" They Say I Say With Readings. By Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein. Ed. Russel Durst. 2E ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2012. 198-210. Print