Last but not least: The SMS as the savior of language
Excessive texting contributes to the dumbing down of young people. This theory has been circulating ever since cell phones were invented. But now a study proves the opposite.
In 2007, the claim was even backed up scientifically: a study commissioned by the Irish Department of Education found that texting was responsible for the ever-increasing language deficits of Irish youth. The main reason given for this was that text messaging was becoming less and less expressive every year and that many young people had a wooden, choppy style.
But now texting is no longer the scapegoat: British psychologist Clare Wood has discovered the following: Children who send text messages via their cell phone and use abbreviations such as LOL or plz very frequently have fewer problems reading and writing regular language than other children. Overall, there is such a close correlation that the use of abbreviations must be seen as an indication of the ability to discover, narrow down and change language patterns. There is a tendency towards more reading and writing problems among children overall - but not because of, but despite the use of short messages. For better or worse, a new culprit must now be found for the atrophy of language - in any case, text messaging is in the clear.
But now texting is no longer the scapegoat: British psychologist Clare Wood has discovered the following: Children who send text messages via their cell phone and use abbreviations such as LOL or plz very frequently have fewer problems reading and writing regular language than other children. Overall, there is such a close correlation that the use of abbreviations must be seen as an indication of the ability to discover, narrow down and change language patterns. There is a tendency towards more reading and writing problems among children overall - but not because of, but despite the use of short messages. For better or worse, a new culprit must now be found for the atrophy of language - in any case, text messaging is in the clear.
