Language is constantly changing, and with each new major innovation, be it the printing press or the internet, how we use language shifts over time. In our modern age, technologies like our smartphones and computers, the internet, emojis, social media, and AI have significantly influenced our language use. They’ve shifted every aspect of language—from grammar to vocabulary—and will continue to do so.

Vocabulary Transformation Through Digital Communication

A key way technology has influenced language is by rapidly shifting its vocabulary, with new terms going viral the same way a meme might.

Internet Slang, Abbreviations, and Acronyms

Internet slang, the casual or informal language people use to communicate online, emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the internet became more widely adopted. When internet slang began, it was primarily to meet the need for faster and simpler communication on instant messaging sites. These needs led to using abbreviations and acronyms like LOL (laugh out loud) and BRB (be right back). Internet slang enhances emotional expression, addressing challenges of conveying tone in text-based communication.

These terms found their way outside the confines of the internet and into everyday communication. Using terms like LOL even led to their inclusion in dictionaries, challenging our understanding of what constitutes a word.

As with spoken slang throughout history, new generations use or create new internet slang. The slang of Gen X and Millennials is more aligned with slang from the early days of internet adoption, focusing on brevity and quick emotional signaling. For Gen Z, the use of slang is different, originating from memes (like “skibidi”) and pop culture (like “stan”).

You might have noticed that brands use these generational differences to their advantage in marketing efforts. They adapt to the changing language landscape and implement it in digital campaigns based on the shifts that align with their key demographics. It’s a practice you’ll see from fast food giants to online casinos that solely offer a just for fun experience.

Neologisms and Technical Jargon

LOL isn’t the only word coined due to technological advancements and spending more and more time online. Terms like “selfie” and “google” have entered the common lexicon, conveying our evolving ways of interacting with the world. The terms weren’t needed before cameras could fit in our back pockets or the Google search engine became an everyday tool. (And yes, “google” is an official word, not just a brand name.)

Technical jargon, too, has gained mainstream use and has been subject to new word development, such as “software” and “cybersecurity.” These terms were coined as our technical needs developed. They became commonplace as software and cybersecurity systems were more broadly used by the general public and not just limited to IT professionals and developers.

Grammar and Structural Changes in Language

As our vocabulary has transformed to accommodate new technologies and behaviors, our use of grammar and language structures has transformed too. Writing elements like capitalization and punctuation are no longer strictly followed, and the line between formal and informal language has become widely blurred. Additionally, character limits on platforms like X have encouraged concise and informal sentence structures.

Capitalization and Punctuation

With rapid communication still the norm, it’s not uncommon for capitalization of the beginning of sentences or proper nouns to be dropped or for punctuation to be omitted. There’s less expectation of these elements in a text or instant message, and it’s generally assumed that recipients will still understand your intended meaning without them—and, quite often, it works out this way.

However, capitalization and punctuation aren’t always forgotten. They can be added to messages to punctuate strong feelings, like anger or excitement. For instance, a friend messaging “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” shows excitement and good wishes to the receiver, while a parent texting their child “WHERE ARE YOU?!” can imply anger and worry.

Blurring of Formal and Informal Language

In casual language, dropping capitalization, foregoing punctuation, and using sentence fragments is the norm. These tendencies are increasingly influencing traditionally formal communication, such as email. The casual approach to messaging is shifting the line of what’s considered formal and informal, impacting how we communicate personally and professionally.

Constraints and Language Adaptations for Digital Platforms

When Twitter launched in 2006, it held a unique appeal. Anyone could share a thought, opinion, idea, or anything else that captured their attention through their account, as long as their post was under 140 characters. That provided limited space for expression, so users adapted. Anywhere a character could be omitted, from removing punctuation marks to abbreviating a word, became the norm. Though Twitter (now X) and other social media platforms like Instagram have since increased their character counts for posts, many elements omitted in the name of saving characters are still often dropped.

The Role of Emojis and Visuals in Communication

Often, enhancing casual communication is the use of emojis or visuals like GIFs. These are used across devices and online platforms, supplementing written text. Emojis facilitate communication by conveying emotions and transcending language barriers, making them powerful communication tools. Similarly, GIFs vividly convey emotions, enriching digital interactions.

Like internet slang, there are differences in how each generation uses emojis and GIFs. Millennials and baby boomers might casually use the thumbs-up emoji to show agreement or that they like something. This emoji has an entirely different meaning for Gen Z, who often see it as passive-aggressive or rude. Considering context and recipients when using emojis and other visual communications is essential, as failing to do so could lead to misunderstandings.

Contributions of AI-Powered Tools to Language Development

Beyond the evolution of new words, grammatical, and structural language styles, and the immense influence of social media and messaging, another significant influence is the rise of AI technologies. AI-powered tools, including text editors and predictive writing assistants, enhance clarity and efficiency in writing, but they also present challenges. Their suggestions may sometimes misalign with the user’s intended meaning, hindering their helpfulness.

Then there’s the recent development of generative AI, which can write and create on our behalf. The implications of these tools on language are only just beginning, so it’s too soon to say how this technology will further evolve language, but it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping language evolution.