Memes/internet lingo and the literary mind.

It has often been argued that internet speak like "lol",
"u" in place of "you", "omg", "wtf", etc. are leading to a sort of circumcision of the language. Language, as we all know, is ever-flowing and constantly changing and adapting, but some argue that these sorts of short-cuts becoming too commonplace are only damaging the art of conversation.

Message board lingo such as quoting a post and simply saying "this" or "+1" seem to contribute to this anti-conversation problem as well.

Speaking to a forum of people who like to read and who probably hold language up to a higher standard than those who don't read often, I ask if you feel a responsibility to not participate in such internet shorthand. On one hand it is possible to formulate well-reasoned and articulated arguments in one breath and then shoot a text message saying "lol idk wtf" in the next. You can adapt internet lingo and not lose any mental capacity. But you ARE contributing to a lingo that may be the only way of communication for some and are, in a way, validating it. I am guilty of posting like an idiot on certain message boards, participating in memes, using shorthand, etc. I feel guilty, though, and seek to rectify my ways.

What's your stance on the matter? Does it matter at all? Is internet-speak dangerous or just the natural result of a changing culture? Do you think the art of conversation is at risk?

The art of conversation has always been at risk, surrounded by the inarticulate, the illogical, and the inane. Personally, I rarely use internet lingo -- but that's a matter of style, not of principle. Internet shorthand is designed to lessen the typing load -- but familiarity with it was once a sign of insider knowledge -- just as academic jargon is. Now that everyone knows the basic internet shorthands, they may become less attractive.

My knowledge of internet short-hand is most limited, though I occasionally use 'lol' or 'btw'. Such use often does annoy me though, partly because I don't understand much of it. I also dislike throwing these phrase-abbreviations into my other-wise fully formed sentences, because it encourages sloppy writing.
I do believe both spoken and written language is being enervated in our culture. While things like slang and chat-speak may have their place, it is very important for people to learn the power of well-chosen language, and also how to use it appropriately.

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Originally Posted by L.M. The Third

I also dislike throwing these phrase-abbreviations into my other-wise fully formed sentences, because it encourages sloppy writing.

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+1

Forgive me i could not resist.

Ok, I have been thinking about this over the last few months and it has come to my attention that sloppy writing has become the norm for a large majority of high-school students. Some of this can be attributed to IMing due to the shortening of words and creation of new words. Like you have mentioned some of these abbreviations are difficult to decipher, with each having a unique meaning and use. But if you think of the Message Boards and IMs as an different culture, I am aware you are saying to yourself, but these are people are from our culture. How are they different?
When you are on different message boards you are anonymous what you say and do can not be regulated, This anonymous nature means there are people who become 'trolls'. No longer a fairy tale story these people go out and write comments that make people angry and these people enjoy it. Along with trolls there are groups that have started that are entirely based on the anonymous nature of the Boards. You may have heard about the people who protest in the Guy Fawkes masks. The original protest was in opposition to scientology, and the whole whole protest was planned on a Message Board.

I apologize for the sheer amount of information i wrote in this post. I have just gotten out of my Political Science class and my brain is a bit scrambled.

Language and the written word evolve; they don't degenerate or decline. I think everyone understands that there is a difference between the language of the computer and the language between the serious writer and the recipient. There is no doubt that the computer is one of the greatest inventions ever devised by wo-man. And I think that recognition of the difference between computer language and the serious personal nature of the writer will continue.

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Originally Posted by Jassy Melson

Language and the written word evolve; they don't degenerate or decline. I think everyone understands that there is a difference between the language of the computer and the language between the serious writer and the recipient. There is no doubt that the computer is one of the greatest inventions ever devised by wo-man. And I think that recognition of the difference between computer language and the serious personal nature of the writer will continue.

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this post does not even make sense

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Originally Posted by Jassy Melson

Language and the written word evolve; they don't degenerate or decline.

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QFT FTW All other 4aterz GTFO cuz u R uBerl4me sauce

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Originally Posted by Ecurb

The art of conversation has always been at risk, surrounded by the inarticulate, the illogical, and the inane. Personally, I rarely use internet lingo --

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Yet the 'art' of conversation has never quite died out. Thanks, in no small part to the herculean efforts of a few shining stars such as yourself.