Teens: Electronic Messages Aren’t Considered Writing

When using a mobile device, e-mail, instant messaging and other electronic means, we all tend to write with abbreviations and grammar that would make our high school English teachers cringe.

But are those activities truly considered writing? Our teenagers don’t think so, according to the latest study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

The research found that teens equate electronic communications with talking on the phone, meeting for coffee or waving to a friend. In other words, that text message or Twitter post isn’t writing; rather, it’s simply communication they enjoy. “Real” writing, most say, is for school or personal enjoyment.

While most believe electronic communication isn’t considered writing, many teens have let the informal styles creep into their schoolwork. Roughly 38% have used text shortcuts in school work (LOL), while 25% have used an emoticon in an assignment. :-)

Most teens believe writing – real writing, that is – remains important to their future success, according to the study. But as more of those digital natives enter our organizations, it’s inevitable that informal writing styles will creep further into the workplace.