summary ofBecause InternetBook by Gretchen McCulloch

first KEY POINT

Once upon a time, language used to be a combination of thoughts tossed back and forth in a perfect way

Speeches used to be preceded by lots of anxious preparations, while writing used to be in the form of books and newspapers and magazines and academic articles. Writing used to be an expression of ideas in the most proper and perfect form. However, long gone are those days! While edited and formal writing is still very much alive, unedited and unfiltered words, which used to be bound to oral expression, are now atop the charts. Writing has now become more conversational and informal. Everybody writes these days. And with the boundless creativity of Internet language, people no longer need editors. The days of lengthy writing processes are over.

The digitalization of language has wholly transformed the art of writing from one where people get intimidated by blank sheets to one where everyone can fully express themselves more easily and comfortably. It’s the golden age of social acronyms, slang, memes, emoji, and other Internet communicational culture. And no matter the formality you’re used to, you should understand that this evolution of language is nothing but a welcome dynamic in the writing system.In this summary, you will get acquainted with the forces that shape our language and impact our communications with people. You will also get to know the similarities between emojis and physical gestures. Don’t expect to look at your Internet communications the same way after going through this tidbit.