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A client in the process of expanding its business informed me yesterday that a job applicant submitted an inquiry on the company website in a rather unusual manner. It read: want job call me ltr with dtls. No punctuation. No clear message. No job.
Although the original message could have been interpreted as, “Hello! I am currently seeking employment and I am interested in learning more about the company. Please contact me at your convenience,” the meaning was lost in text message-like translation.
As a Generation Y college student, I frequently use text messaging and e-mail when necessary, though I believe I am at least capable of writing an academic paper or press release, let alone an informal job inquiry. However, I too have seen the growing inability in my generation and younger to formulate a cohesive sentence or paragraph in or out of the classroom.
Text messaging, e-mail and other on-line communication conduits have simplified not only the manner in which we communicate but the messages themselves. Abbreviated verbiage has begun to find its way into the everyday communication of the Web 2.0 Generation. And with Britney Spears allegedly ending her marriage via text message, I fear that our culture has a more warped sense of civility than I originally thought.
With companies like Disney launching tech-comm products to kids, I worry the value of the written word may seem less important to kids whose teachers already find it difficult to open their minds to classic literature and creative writing in the classroom. While I see incredible value in speedy on-line interaction, those who have grown up using Instant Message and texting as primary communication tools, they may be at a serious disadvantage in the future.
What do you think? Is the value of the written word in danger?
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