What Does ASL Mean in Text?

ASL is an acronym used on digital platforms and in text messages to stand for ‘Age, Sex, Location’. It is primarily used in online chat to request a person’s personal demographic information.

The Question of Appropriateness

Some digital communication platforms, such as dating sites, require that users include their age, sex, and location in their profile to optimize the services they receive. The presence of this information helps users to find compatible matches based on shared commonalities such as geography, age, and gender.

In other contexts, such as a regular chatroom, however, the demand for this information can be seen as invasive or a violation of another user’s privacy. The demand may also come from an unsavory user, such as someone attempting to harass, stalk, or fraudulently obtain personal information. Therefore, it is important for users of digital communication platforms to use caution when asked for personal information, such as when seeing the acronym ASL.

Practicing Good Digital Citizenship

When communicating on digital platforms and engaging in text messages, users should practice good digital citizenship and use discretion when it comes to how they handle the private information of others. Asking for someone’s age, sex, and location – even when those details are openly posted on their social profile – may not always be seen as polite or socially acceptable.

When asked to provide personal details on an online platform, look for the ways in which the request could be considered an invasion of privacy and take appropriate action. If at any time you feel uncertain or uncomfortable, you can simply decline the request.