Do people have terrible spelling and grammar because of internet use?

Question

Do you think it is because of internet use or is it just that we are exposed to them because of the internet? Have people just stopped trying, or caring?

Answer 1

I personally do not think it's because of the internet. I think it's because most of the poor spellers were passed by a failing educational system; and most who spell poorly and use bad grammar and punctuation would not have been communicating nearly so much in written form in earlier times.

In addition, I feel that most people have always been poor spellers and have always used inappropriate punctuation and grammar; but we are seeing it all now due to the ease of entry that computers provide.

In addition, I for one have not stopped trying or caring, nor shall I; the better question should have been: is it true that some never DID try or care in the first place and still will never try nor care no matter how much we "correct" ones think or complain about it? And worse, is the dynamic shifting to the point that at some future date it is we the "Good" grammarians that will be considered to be in the wrong?

Answer 2

I don't think the poor spelling and grammar have been caused by the internet, but I think frequent internet use can make someone accustomed to lazy spelling and incorrect grammar. Also, much communication over the internet is informal, so many people don't make as much of an effort.

Answer 3

Good question. My answer is no. Until recently computers were much more fussy and pedantic than any language teacher. They didn't understand instructions if you got a single letter out of place. And texting is a crude, primitive means of messaging that won't last long enough to permanently change the language. I'm 58 and used to be into amateur radio. I learned the Morse code, but was never good enough to qualify as a commercial radio operator. But I can send a message in Morse faster than any kid can text. Morse code, developed in the 19th century, is far more ergonomically efficient than texting. Samuel Morse made a point of making the most commonly-used letters in English the simplest Morse letters.

Answer 4

There's a certain percentage of people on here whose first language is not English.

The odd abbreviations and grammar are from text messaging and internet chat stuff.

Just as the ability to do math problems is disappearing through bringing calculators into the classroom, I fear language skills are being lost.

Answer 5

I would not say it's because of internet. It has to start in school. I don't think they put much emphasis on spelling and grammar. I agree with one of posts before me, it's also because certain people need to feel like they are in the "in" group.

Answer 6

I blame MTV and the public schools.

A little more seriously, and excluding those who speak English as a second language from this answer, there are two main reasons. Some do it to be cool or to fit in with a particular group, same as with any other form of slang.

Some, of course, are just poorly educated and don't know any better.

JMB

Answer 7

No. I think it is from the school system. Have you seen the stats on how many students are moved on to the next grade level without being able to read and write? It's appalling.

Answer 8

Yes! Also look at peoples handwriting, we have resorted to typing everything, peoples handwriting is now illegible.

Answer 9

Stuff like 2, wad, tmr are just short forms. they exist to make life easier. I wont wonder if in the future grammer would b made easy.

Answer 10

Alot of users on this site don't speak English as their first language,the rest are lazy.