Assignment 2-1: Weekly Analysis

Instant Messaging, or IM as it would be known while engaging in Instant Messaging, has become a standard mode of communication today. IM seemed to originally cater to a younger crowd as a means of talking to friends outside of school hours, as it allowed them to talk to as many people at the same time as they could physically handle, which for some people is a ridiculous amount. But, more and more people are using IM in the course of their daily work activities as well. It is faster and easier to send someone an instant message than it is to pick up the phone and talk to them directly. Instant messaging has become a cultural phenomenon and has even led to the creation of its own “language”, a shorthand variation, much like one would use when text messaging on a cell phone.
Unfortunately, this has led to people using this same “language” when writing letters, papers, message board posts, and other forms of written communication which generally makes my eyes bleed when I attempt to decipher said “language.” I have to wonder what effect this dumbing down of the English language will have on young people who have been raised their entire lives using tools like Instant Messaging and text messaging. Will I even be able to understand what they are writing?