Because Internet Summary

Summary of Because Internet Book by Gretchen McCulloch

Name: Because Internet
Rating: 4.4 (811 reviews)
Author: Gretchen McCulloch

4.4 . 811 reviews

Short summary

It’s probably not news to you that the Internet has completely revolutionized the general use of the English language. Or maybe it is news! Either way, this tidbit sets out to address the swift and strange shifts going on in Internet language and what our online communication says about our identity. Gretchen McCulloch is a Canadian Internet linguist that provides linguistic analysis of Internet communications. She writes the Resident Linguist column at Wired and formerly at The Toast. Gretchen McCulloch had her postgraduate degree at McGill University, where she studied linguistics. She is the co-creator of a podcast called Lingthusiasm. She also runs the blog All Things Linguistic. In 2021, the linguistics society of America gave Gretchen McCulloch the linguistics, language, and public award. “The Internet and mobile devices have brought us an explosion of writing by normal people.” ~ Gretchen McCulloch

13 min

8 key points

7 insights

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Table of content

Summary of Because Internet
About the author
What is Because Internet about?
Who should read Because Internet
Topics in Because Internet

first key point

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

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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.

Internet acronyms like IDK, which means “I don’t know,” reduce the number of letters you type when chatting with someone.

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.

When I see the boundless creativity of Internet language flowing past me online, I can’t help but want to understand how it works. ~ Gretchen McCulloch

second key point

Our peers are a significant influence on the way we communicate

Every generation has a particular language system they are familiar with. Social factors such as geographical location, parents, school, and peers largely influence the way we communicate. Most children grow up with the language traits of their parents because every family speaks its own dialect. These dialects could be misheard lyrics, onomatopoeia, and children’s coinages. However, our linguistic pickups broaden the more our environment widens. At school, we get exposed to social lifestyles that mix up with previously home–taught culture. Teenagehood is that stage where linguistic influence changes from parents to peers. Most individuals have access to social media at this stage, which is a powerful platform for linguistic influence. Hopefully, this explains how people learn how to swear despite most parents making enormous efforts to keep cuss words out of their children’s ears and mouths.

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third key point

There are five essential characteristics of Internet people who existed when the Internet came to the scene

fourth key point

Linguistic conventions are primarily rooted in a typographical tone of voice

fifth key point

Emojis and other Internet gestures were a much needed advent into Internet writing

sixth key point

There has been a shift in conversational norms as Internet culture keeps evolving

seventh key point

Memes are part of the budding Internet culture, and the Internet is more of a metaphor of language than books

eighth key point

Conclusion

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What is Because Internet about?

In this insightful book, the author explores the fascinating evolution of language in the digital age. From emojis to memes, Gretchen McCulloch delves into the impact of internet communication on our linguistic norms. With a blend of linguistic analysis and personal anecdotes, she uncovers the new rules and nuances that shape our online conversations. "Because Internet" is a captivating exploration of how language adapts and thrives in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Who should read Because Internet

Language enthusiasts seeking to explore the impact of internet communication.
Linguistics students and researchers interested in digital language evolution.
Social media users curious about the influence of internet language.

Topics in Because Internet

Linguistics Communication Writing Social History Technology the Internet Sociology Psychology Anthropology Cultural History Media Studies

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