Instant Messaging and the Future of Language

References

Baron, N. S. (2005). Instant Messaging and the Future of Language. Communications Of The ACM, 48(7), 29-31.

 

Instant Messaging and the Future of Language

 

In this viewpoint article written by Naomi S. Baron, she conveys the idea that writing has evolved eventually into this new modern age era of IM'ing, texting, and other forms of computer-mediated communication.  She questions whether this era is degrading the language.  Her comparisons of time periods throughout history outlines how written English has evolved.  The shape of written language has always been as much a product of social attitudes and educational values as of technological developments.  I believe, as time has gone by through the centuries and the styles of writing have changed during those times, each generation has left their own upgraded version of a newer writing style.  I feel IM'ing is no different.  I believe that as we are thinking and communicating through a medium such as a computer, cell phone, tablet, and/or whatever medium we choose, we are exercising our minds and making an effort to communicate through our words.  Our words are in a form of writing; therefore that written language is forever engraved into that medium.  I think there is just as much meaning in a few words today describing the very same thing that was written hundreds of years ago, that may have been written on several pages, but still convey the same feeling.  Our world has changed so much with automation that it allows us to get right to the point and convey our message just as effectively.  I think it's wonderful that young people use these various forms of mediums as communication because it shows that they can indeed read and write.  How they choose to express themselves, through any medium, should be encouraged to ensure they develop, learn, and grow their writing skills naturally.  Giving them the freedom to express themselves in any writing medium is a good thing.  I would be more worried if they chose not to write at all and had no sense or caring of the world around them.  I would hope they would care.