Digital Language: helpful, or hinderance?

With the creation of the digital world, we have also seen the creation of a digital language. When English was originally written, it was spoken almost the same as it was written. The tradition continued but eventually dialects emerged while the written text remained the same. Even today, we hold a traditional way of communicating through more formal digital means, but we now have three ways of conversing: talking, formal digital (used for academia) and informal digital (used in text messaging and the like). On top of that, many people speak different dialects to many people.

If a stranger was to walk into Chapin Hall on any given day, they may be surprised by the seemingly illiterate students shouting fragments at the top of their lungs. A literacy has risen out of my own friend circle, that of the awful grammer and ear-piercing yelps. Each of us has our own twang on the slang, mine including phrases like "vasdas?" meaning "what is this?" and "you do tings?" meaning anything from "did you eat yet?" to "did you do the homework?" or even "have you studied this music?" Most of my friends, in addition, have their own buzzwords. Samples of these words include "HEP!" "Lady?" yayyy!" and "brrbrbrbrbrbrbrbbr"

What does all this mean? We have many ways of communicating with people, and digital communication is probably the farthest from "correct" English. While I type this blog (with some mistakes I'm sure) I am using a type of English that any literate adult in the country, perhaps even the world, would understand. However, if I was writing this homework in a text message, i wouldnt care enough to type correct grammer everywhere haha lol :D. One reason for this other digital language can be blamed on the physical nature of cell phones: typing fully with the thumbs is a complete role-reversal from typing on a computer keyboard, and is frankly awkward and painful after any set amount of time. I often find myself typing just with my right index setting my phone on a flat surface to relieve the pain.

It is important to consider this type of communication when referencing technology in the classroom. Many professors advocate for the use of digital media, using technology for answering homework questions, using remote controls and personal computers in the classroom. I would have to understand my students well before I implement such technology and be prepared for the answers I receive. While someone may not speak derogatory or intolerant words, they may feel comfortable when they can use an outlet (technology) for these feelings. I fear that the informal digital dialect could be something to consider deeply before using technology.