Why do people seem to not care about grammar, punctuation and spelling when on the computer?

Question

It seems that even in business communications, if it takes place electronically, simple rules of grammar and sentence structure go out the window. Is it laziness, stupidity, or something else?

Answer 1

It's sheer laziness, and stupidity.

There's no excuse for writing something using bad grammar.

Those who don't use propper grammar and propper use of punctuation THINK they're getting their point across, but far too often, the reader misinterprets what they read.

I can't tell you how many run-on sentences I've seen here where I've practically had to read, and RE-read their sloppy grammar in order to properly decipher what they meant!

I can understand how someone from another country may have problems constructing a sentence in English.....But when Americans do it, it's just plain embarassing! They make themselves look ignorant!

Answer 2

This may seem rude but I believe that many people (Americans) are simply ignorant of the basic rules of syntax, grammar, spelling, etc. I have been out of college for 11 years and am constantly amazed at the inability of many adults (let alone young people) to form a coherent sentence, either verbal or written. In a country where more importance is placed on fashion and fame than on education and thought, it's little wonder. My vote is for plain stupidity (not inherent stupidity but the inability to understand what is real and what is not, what is important and what will fade).

Answer 3

Sometimes I make typos, but it's not because I can't spell and I don't understand the rules of grammar. I normally make mistakes in my answers when I'm in a hurry and don't have time to spell check them. Then again, there are times when I sit back and read some answers and think, "Oh my God...if people actually spell THAT badly, is anyone really going to care if I type woudl instead of would? Probably not..." so I just let it go. Usually it's a time issue for me. I type fast and am usually pretty accurate, but when I'm in a hurry, my fingers get instantly fat. :)

Answer 4

People are just very apathetic. I always try to write with proper grammar and spelling, because I have a natural knack for them, and writing any other way would be unnatural to me.

I am very passionate about grammar and spelling, and I think that most people with bad grammar are lazy and uneducated (not always, though). I'm not going to rag on you for unimportant details, but come on! Kindergarteners can spell the word "you"! Are you really that lazy to leave out two letters?

Just don't get mad at me if I view you as an idiot if you have horrible grammar and spelling. It's your fault if you don't want to take the time to be viewed seriously. (And really, it doesn't take that much time.)

Answer 5

Look lady Know it all. I hate people like you because you are stupid. You and people like you worry so much about spelling and grammar that you don't even look at the questions people ask. All you look at is how we spell or how we talk. Why do you make such a BIG DEAL out of this. What are you sone kind of a NERD or a Poindexter or Einstine beainy act or what? Who really gives a shi* if i can spell or use good grammar. I don't so why do you Poindexter. I would rether be stupid in spelling or grammar than to be like you stupid in everything else except spelling and grammar. You are so smatr that it makes you STUPID to me. Why dont you get a life NERD!!!!!

Answer 6

I once had a boss who used to write our daily tasks on a chalk board. Invariably, his writing was rife with spelling and grammar errors. One day I asked him why he didn't make an effort to learn how to write properly. His answer was, "do you understand my instructions?", to which I answered, "yes", and he said, "so then what difference does it make?" Admittedly, I found it hard to argue with this logic. In his universe, all that mattered was that he was understood by the people around him. This same reasoning can be applied to communicating on the internet. The general consensus seems to be, "as long as people get my message, who cares if it's delivered professionally?" Or, to put it like Mr. Spock, "a difference which makes no difference, is no difference."

The problem with this kind of thinking is that willfully dumbing oneself down does make a difference. It is the prerequisite to become dumb in other areas. It also contributes to mental atrophy. At the very least it will make educated people think less of you, and in the professional arena, this can mean the difference between being taken seriously, getting a raise, getting a promotion, etc, and losing a job, or just being overlooked. In all walks of life, the most professional individuals tend to achieve the most success.

For people who prefer to write and communicate like dullards, I say "great!" It simply means less competition for those of us who prefer to make an effort to be excellent at everything we do. The cream always rises to the top.

Answer 7

It's the fine art of multi-tasking. I bet you anything the author of the email/im/memo whatever, is simultaneously talking on the phone, typing, and trying to eat her lunch. No joke. Kind of hard to notice or care if you slip a few typos in there. I personally proof every email before it goes out, but some people have just too much on their plates, and proofing an email is just not priority? It used to get me, but now I'm rather used to it. What irritates me more than grammar and typos, are the stupid abbreviations.... "U" "2" "R U gonna B @ the mtg 2nite?" it's highly annoying. Makes my brain want to hemorrhage.

Answer 8

THANK YOU.

I ask that question all the time. Just because you're on a computer, it doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention to grammar and spelling. In fact, almost every single word processing program or website today has some sort of 'spell check' function. You'd think that would help people make fewer mistakes...

Furthermore, there is absolutely NO excuse for turning the word 'this' into 'dis' and 'thanks' into 'fanx'.

fanx 4 ur time

Answer 9

As my Daddy said--take me as I am or leave me the he?? alone. I talk and act the way I do an I ain't going to try an put a show on for know one. So if you don't like my grammar or my punctuation or my spelling then just walk on bye and close the door behind you.

Answer 10

It is a psychological thing. And only some people do it, not all. It is also the result of the illusion of freedom and lack of persecution mania that one assumes to have while on the net. Others are just poor in english, or want to communicate faster.