OMG this is Crazy

Is it just me or has this whole acronym thing gotten OOC? Is it that we are just lazy or is this a new language we use to feel a part of a group? How many ways can you incorporate 8 into your text message? That is so gr8!!

I recently joined a group of Disney fanatics message board that shares helpful tips and tricks for planning Disney vacations. I love the board and the positive energy from everyone in the group, but even with my 10 years experience actually working for Disney, I have to read and reread some of the messages multiple times before I actually can decipher what they are talking about. For example, "Can anyone help me? I just made my ADR's for our October trip including LTT at MK, but we are also going to the MNSSHP and I would like another fun dining option for that day - any ideas? We are staying at WL." What???

Is this part of the "texting" generation of lingo? I actually am all for making words as short as possible when sending a message from my phone since its such a pain, but when typing I have to wonder if this new shorthand that makes it easier for the writer has any real benefit for the reader or really saves anyone any time.