"r u Online"

The article “R U Online?” was probably the least enjoyable article yet. I understand how it must be frustrating for teachers teaching English in High school and Middle school when dealing with students who carry their new found lingo onto their English assignments. However, I’m sure one day in the classroom going over explicit detail over how the IM lingo will not be tolerated in an academic classroom would clear the problem with students.

The article is also completely biased. The article gave one professors opinion over the topic and she wrote a book about the subject. No other professors chimed in their opinion and research. Obviously this essay is a closed forum, a biased essay.

Honestly, if students are not aware IM lingo is not appropriate on an English essay by the time they reach high school, then I blame the teacher. If the IM lingo interferes with class work, then penalize the students through points. The students should have learned by middle school what is proper, grammatical English and what is not. Teachers should not blame Instant Messaging as the reason for why students have not learned to write a proper English Essay.

Young adults typing on the computer frequently and having their own unique IM lingo does not have only cons. A few weeks ago, I remember reading an article over how finger activity has to shown to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. The article was in a doctor’s magazine and it also included a list of tasks that include finger activity. One of the activities was typing on the computer.

Instant messaging has positive influences on the young generation. It allows students who suffer a lack of socializing skills to take steps and develop bonds with their peers. For example, the article mentioned a young teenager who found it difficult to communicate with girls. Instant Messaging helped him take the step in talking to girls and after he becomes more comfortable talking them; he’ll be able to socialize more openly in a public place such as school or the movies.