Library/Because Internet
Because Internet book cover - Leapahead summary
Listen to Key Point 1
0:000:00

Because Internet

Gretchen McCulloch

Duration17 min
Key Points8 Key Points
Rating4 Rate

What's inside?

Explore the evolution of internet language and how it's changing the way we communicate in our digital world.

You'll learn

Learn1. How the internet is changing the way we talk
Learn2. Getting to grips with internet lingo
Learn3. The impact of social media on our language
Learn4. The role of memes and emojis in online chats
Learn5. What's next for language in the digital world?
Learn6. Keeping up with the ever-changing online language rules.

Key points

01Language used to be a structured way to exchange thoughts

In the good old days, language was like a game of tennis. We'd volley thoughts back and forth, each one carefully crafted and polished to perfection. This was the era of speeches, academic papers, and newsprint, where every word was weighed, measured, and edited to fit within the strict rules of grammar and syntax. But then, the internet happened. Suddenly, language was no longer confined to the formal arenas. It was like a wild party where everyone was invited. The internet made language accessible to all, and the rules? Well, they became more like guidelines. Now, we're all chattering away on social media, blogs, and forums, using a language that's more casual and spontaneous. It's like we've traded in our formal suits for comfy jeans and t-shirts. This new language doesn't care much for traditional grammar and syntax. Instead, it thrives on creativity, individuality, and the need for speed. And it's not just about words anymore. We've got a whole new toolbox filled with acronyms, slang, memes, and emojis. But don't be fooled, these aren't just random symbols and abbreviations. They've got their own set of rules, and they're constantly evolving. Take emojis, for instance. They're not just adorable little icons we tack onto our messages. They're a whole new way of expressing emotions, attitudes, and intentions. They add color, tone, and context to our messages, making them more engaging. And internet slang and acronyms? They're not just shortcuts for typing. They're like a secret code that lets us convey complex ideas in a quick and efficient way. So, what's the takeaway here? The way we use language has changed dramatically, mirroring the shift in our communication dynamics in this digital age. The internet has had a huge influence on our language and the way we communicate. As we continue to explore this digital landscape, it's important to understand and embrace these new language rules. They're not just a passing fad, they're a fundamental shift in how we express ourselves. So, let's embrace this change and enjoy the ride!

02Our friends and peers shape how we talk

Ever thought about how much your friends influence the way you talk? Well, they do, and in a big way. Let's break it down. When we're little, our family is our language school. Every family has its own special way of talking, with unique phrases, accents, and even made-up words. This is our language starter pack. For example, if your parents love using idioms, chances are, you'll be spouting them too. But as we grow up and start hanging out with more people, our language starts to change. School is like a language buffet, with all sorts of different ways of talking from our classmates. We start picking up words or phrases that our friends use, even if they're not part of our family's special language. Like, you might start using cool slang words that everyone in your class is using. When we hit our teens, our friends' influence on our language goes into overdrive. This is when many of us start using social media and get exposed to all sorts of different ways of talking from all over the world. You might start using internet slang or abbreviations that you see on Instagram or Twitter, even if you've never used them before. And here's the thing: we're not just passively picking up these new ways of talking. We're actively choosing to talk like our friends or the people we admire. Maybe you start using British slang because you've been binge-watching British TV shows, even if you're not British. Plus, the internet has created a whole new way of talking that mixes formal and informal language. It's not because we're lazy or can't use formal language. It's just how language is evolving. Like, it's totally normal to see a social media post that mixes formal language, slang, and emojis. So, to wrap it up, our friends have a huge impact on the way we talk. From our first day of school to our latest social media post, the way we talk is heavily influenced by the people we hang out with. And it's not just something that happens to us. We're actively choosing to talk in certain ways based on who we're hanging out with.

Because Internet book cover - Leapahead summary

Continue reading with LeapAhead app

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

03Early Internet users had five key traits

04Our writing style is influenced by the tone we use

05Emojis and Internet symbols help express emotions in writing

06Internet culture is changing how we talk

07Memes are a big part of Internet culture, and the Internet has changed language more than books

08Conclusion

About Gretchen McCulloch

Gretchen McCulloch is an internet linguist who studies the language of the digital world. She's the Resident Linguist at Wired and the co-creator of Lingthusiasm, a podcast that's enthusiastic about linguistics. McCulloch's work explores how online communication is influencing language evolution and structure.

Explore categories