Are Text Messages Destroying The English Language- Preferably For Age 28 and Up?

Question

It has become obvious that texting with cell phones is now the prefered method of communication for teens and early twenty somethings.  However, I now have to work with these early twenty somethings, just out of college, and I am finding that they cannot spell nor can they write a grammatically correct sentence.  Some of these people even pepper written business communication with things like "OMG", "LOL", or ":-)",  all of which are highly inappropriate in the corporate setting.  

Even on Yahoo Answers, there are times when I can barely make out any of the details because the spelling and grammar are so bad.  Plus, it never seems like anybody uses the phone to actually talk to each other.  

I am 29.  Growing up we didn't all have cell phones so we learned how to write correctly.  We didn't write "B4", it was "before" and it wasn't "CUL8R" it was "See You Later".

Are we going to become a society that is illiterate to tranditional written and verbal forms of communication?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I work in a middle school and, I agree, text messaging does seem to have infiltrated the culture in terms of grammar, spelling, and word usage.  It's sad.  I am 29 myself, have a Masters in English Literature, and I see a huge difference from the way young people write and speak today versus even a few years ago.  I saw this movie called Idiocracy and, although it was supposed to be farce, it was possibly accurate about the direction we seem to be heading in as a society.

sandwest · Answer

Yes, I believe we are headed in that direction.  I am appalled at the lack of skills in written and verbal communication by applicants for an office position!  I'm equally disgusted with the so-called AOL abbreviations - LOL etc.  I am more likely to respond to a question which is written correctly or at least shows that an attempt has been made to write correctly.  Thanks for your ranting and for letting me respond.

Kayzee M · Answer

I agree with you 101% ... I myself had been having trouble regarding the matter ... though I never tried using it in written business communication. However it get's me confused at times "especially" with double letters in a word and the "ou". I've been using text (sometimes call) for 12 years now ... I guess I'm a text junky.

trapani · Answer

What a large question!! did you recognize that educators have been those days conversing approximately getting rid of the prepare of "handwriting" altogether simply by fact of desktops?? Ridiculous!! did no longer take them lengthy to realize toddlers could then under no circumstances be waiting to examine handwriting. famous individual for you! Sandy

Steven V · Answer

U r being absolutely silly. Kids r kids and adults are adults is a version of shorthand. No need for the drama. Njoy

Anonymous · Answer

One good thing:  not all teenagers/young adults can afford text messaging.

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Are Text Messages Destroying The English Language- Preferably For Age 28 and Up?

6 Answers