Instant message communication and its impact upon written language

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of computer-mediated communication upon users. The theory of technological determinism will be defined, discussed in detail, and applied to the research of computerized communication. The concept of language deconstruction (i.e., Internet slang, use of emoticons, and shorthand) in instant messaging will be analyzed through content analysis and through a series of interviews with high school and college journalism instructors. Does computer-mediated communication, specifically Instant messaging have a positive or negative effect on written language? The author discovered that many instant message conversations, in personal and professional settings, have Internet slang and shorthand. The interviews revealed that many high school instructors have seen Internet language in their students' written work. College professors did not see as much shorthand, but were concerned about the effects of computers related to editing and plagiarism.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Reed College of Media

Year dc:date.available

2005

Author dc:creator

• Eller, Lara L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Terry L. Wimmer.

• Journalism
• Mass communication
• Rhetoric

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1591

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-2594