Reading Assignment #2: Are Digital Media Changing Language?

Quote:
     
     "Although journalists tend to sensationalize the linguistic strangeness of "online lingo," quantitative analyses of instant messaging conversations and text messages reveal that abbreviations, acronyms, and even misspellings are comparatively infrequent, at least among college-age students. For example, in a study I did of college students' instant messaging conversations, out of 11,718 words, only 31 were "online lingo" abbreviations, and only 90 were acronyms (of which 76 were LOL). In a study of college students' text messaging, my colleague Rich Ling and I found a few more lexical shortenings; yet the grand total of clear abbreviations was only 47 out of 1,473 words, which is hardly overwhelming." (Baron, Naomi 2009)

Response:

     When I read this article, I was extremely surprised. I think the men and women who are studying electronically mediated communication should be more worried that children and young adults are turning the English language into something that looks more like a way to communicate with robots. I understand that a ratio of 47(abbreviations) to 1,473 (words) may not seem like a lot, but we must understand that we're talking about YOUNG ADULTS here. Meaning these kids are at the point in their lives when they're filling out college applications, applying for jobs, and submitting scholarship essays. Nobody is going to get in to college by adding an "OMG" or an "lol" to an application.
     The only way to fix this, I believe, would be to nip it in the bud right from the start. While in school, particularly English class, teachers need to instruct that using abbreviations and "text language" is unacceptable and should be used strictly for personal use. 
    As for young adults my age and older, unfortunately, I think the damage has been done.

Texting Damages Teen Grammar

References:
Baron, Naomi. "Educational Leadership:Literacy 2.0:Are Digital Media Changing Language?." Membership, policy, and professional development for educators - ASCD. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2013. <http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/Are-Digital-Media-Changing-Language%C2%A2.aspx>.

"Text Messaging - YouTube." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzXhMNa2MK8>.