The Digital Tongue - How Social Media is Reshaping Language?

In an age where communication unfolds in likes, shares, and hashtags. Language finds its meaning digitally. Social media has reshaped the way we interact, perceive, and connect with people. From fast-spreading memes and hinglish conversations to abbreviations, the digital space has made us more vigilant and proactive than ever before. But the benefits it offers come with their own challenges, such as algorithmic dominance, blurred authenticity, and pressure to be a certain way. This piece is an attempt to highlight that, while language and literature have gone digital, they must remain deeply human.

“Our fingers now type faster than tongues utter”

A few years ago, letters were drafted with the right amount of love and care, ensuring proper grammar and punctuation. Cut to the present, the Post-COVID era- messages seem no less than a maze quiz with countless abbreviations, and trends circulating overnight. Such a widespread system of memes, messages, and abbreviations prompts introspection on the changing nature of language. The question, then, arises: Has social media really made communication efficient or complicated?

Social media has revolutionised how we share emotions worldwide. Online platforms like Instagram, X, and WhatsApp have become our primary source of communication. The language we speak has no doubt become creative, yet fragmented and informal.

Today, as the world rapidly shifts from one trend to another, terms like ‘rizz’, ‘delulu’, ‘simp’, and many others like them are becoming increasingly common among the average youth. GIFs, stickers, and emojis have become the new visual language, helping us convey what mere words could not.

While abbreviations like ‘ftw’, ‘brb, ‘fomo’, and many more have become part of our daily speech, hashtags have become important in spreading collective movements. Grammar is no longer authentic and accurate. Trends twist grammar and the conventional way of writing languages. To be heard online and considered cool, people around the globe adapt to these newly emerging, not-so-correct brain-rotted communication. As a result, youth language and regional dialects find global recognition. Terms like ‘jugaad’ are now spoken globally. This change promotes global integration and can serve as an effective tool for harmonising diverse communities.

The state of constantly being watched! (Pinterest)

In this interconnected world, every like and search is watched on virtual screens, accessible with a mere fingertip. Words like ‘lit’, ‘slayy’ get viral overnight and decay rapidly as well. What’s trendy today isn’t cool tomorrow. Memes and trends shape us and prompt us to reflect in real time. Influencers and creators online create these terms, and people follow them more than they follow dictionaries. Online language is no longer the point. It’s creative and often expresses irony, sarcasm, humour, and rebellion.

Bilingual communication is getting more common these days. People worldwide are developing a passion for learning new languages, reflecting global integration and a common identity. But this short-form communication also has psychological and cognitive impacts. Overexposure to short content can reduce our attention span and patience. On the brighter side, it helps us practice adaptability. Viral trends and cancel culture are popular examples of how such languages unite people through their usage.

The Digital Downside

The Digital Tongue may have promised connection, but has somehow delivered comparison as well. The convenience it offers comes at the cost of clarity, authenticity, and depth. Bypassing grammar and normalising shortcuts has made us forget the ‘essence of writing’. For youngsters, this habit finds its way into academic and professional work, where formality and accuracy matter the most.

Another primary concern is the lack of emotional depth. Digital communication lacks tone and voice; therefore, it can never convey what face-to-face conversations do. They can easily be misinterpreted. This shortened language is often not understandable to older generations, further widening the generation gap.

Of late, AI, chatbots, and voice assistants are shaping how we interact. Visual language, like memes, could overtake text-based communication at any time soon. The question is, will we still value the originality and creativity of writers passionate about literature in the realm of artificial intelligence?

 Language is ever-evolving and has proved to be a survivor amid revolutions for decades. The solution would be to value creative literature as we navigate waves of technology and innovation. Technology should be used to strengthen literature further and build strong communities that drive change.

Social Media surrounds us! (Pinterest)

With emojis as the new full stop and memes as a metaphor, Social media has turned language inclusive yet informal. The key is balance. While it’s important to adapt and reap the benefits of linguistic innovation, we can’t escape the fact that it can alter our originality and clarity.

We should remember that language is not just convenience but connection. Amidst the algorithms, let’s not forget empathy and treat one another with respect and humanity. It is our duty as the youth of the 21st century to balance between innovation and humanity for community growth and well-being.

“In the noise of notifications, may our words never lose meaning”.

Author Spotlight - Farheen Kausar Arefin

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