How is your text talk?

Technology is a part of the modern everyday lifestyle. From texting to tweeting, Facebook to phone calls, it follows us wherever we go. As young people, we long to be a part of the latest crazes, so when the latest phone or computer comes out on the market, it is always a must have. But is technology doing us any favours?

Most of us have heard the phrase, ‘Just Google it’, or used text talk such as ‘BRB’, ‘GTG’, and of course everyone’s favourite ‘LOL’.  But what young people of today, who use technology, don’t know is that technology is decreasing our use of vocabulary and creating dangers online for social networking users.

According to Jean Gross, who is an adviser of child and adolescent language development, young people are spending more time communicating through text messaging, social networking and emails, therefore using shortened and brief vocabulary. This is decreasing the amount of formal language being used and affecting their future chances of employability. So how can we stop this trend before it gets worse and how can we be safe electronically? Let’s talk technology savvy.

Safety is a big issue online, and via phone. It is important to always know what the do’s and don’ts are regarding electronics.  The first thing to remember is to never upload any videos or pictures, which you or someone else has taken, that you wouldn’t want your parents to see online. This may include images from parties or whilst drinking alcohol. Photos and videos could be seen by hundreds of thousands of people on the internet and can be viewed all over the world. Check out this blog on Sexting for more info on this.

Another thing to be aware of is to never post, message or email anything about teachers, parents, bosses etc. to others.  The reason for this is you never know who has access to your profiles and you can never be certain that messages won’t be forwarded by who you send them to. This may cause trouble and could turn out for the worst, or end in a police investigation if false accusations or sexual harassment takes place.

The final tip, regarding electronic safety is to never give out your financial details and personal details, especially your address, out to anyone, no matter whom they are or what website it is. You never know who will view this information.  The lending of this information can lead to banking scams, suspicious stalker behaviours from others and could even end in someone tracking you down. It is always a priority to know the boundaries of internet and mobile safety, as any situation can get out of control, and it’s as easy as the push of a button.

Now we face the problem of ‘text talk’. Everyone knows the little abbreviations that make life easier when writing messages to friends, sending a quick email or updating your status. But the facts prove that it is affecting our language and grammar skills. To break the chain and ensure you aren’t affected by this, start using correct spelling and punctuation skills when sending emails, messages or chatting online. Although it may take longer, and seem like an inconvenience, it could mean the difference between you getting a part or full time job over someone else.

Being technology savvy isn’t as hard as it seems. Making a few adjustments can meant the difference between safety and danger, and a good vocabulary compared to a limited vocabulary.  Let’s start a new trend, an electronically savvy trend and create a brighter technological future.

By Jess.

A bit about Jess: Hi my name is Jess, I’m am 16 and live on the Sunshine Coast in QLD. I am passionate about the dramatic arts and I want to help improve Australia’s future by getting involved with any extra curricular activities I can. I love to write and I value friends and family because at the end of the day they are the people that will always be there for you.

Thank you to Student Edge for supporting the development of this blog through the provision on a rather fantastic Goodie Bag.

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Tags: online safety