Do abbreviations improve or impair communication these days?

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With advent of internet, social media and smartphones, communication and social interaction have increased. Abbreviations was initially made to make the messages shorter and easier to understand, when there were limits on characters while communicating. Abbreviations received a boost from texting and social media, as it helped to enhance communication in saving time and space. It helped improve communication among peers who had the same knowledge base. However, there is growing number of abbreviations, often internet slangs that most stand unfamiliar. Misunderstanding can occur especially if there are multiple meanings. It can seriously impair communication, specifically in situations where one of the involved speakers is not well-versed in the language. No doubt, in emergency situations, abbreviations can be very effective and can allow for faster communication. At same time overuse or unclear abbreviations can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. So, what’s your take on - Do abbreviations improve or impair communication these days?