It is amazing how many different forms of communication and language there are in the world. Even when we don’t speak the same language we can still find a way to communicate. In school we are required to take English every year to develop a stronger vocabulary and become educated in using proper grammar. I know most of us hate vocabulary and grammar, but it is an important skill to have in everyday life. With the continuing advancement of technology, it seems that our language is becoming somewhat lost.

As high schoolers, we have become absorbed in the world within our phones where we can Google anything at any time, be on social media all day and abbreviate what we want to say in our text messages. We live in a world where we can’t imagine what our lives would be like without our phones. They are very convenient and useful tools to have, but the fact that our generation is losing valuable communication and language skills is concerning.

We abbreviate phrases, change the spelling of words to make them shorter and use very basic vocabulary and grammar to be “more efficient.” I hear new slang words and see new abbreviations for phrases all the time. Usually I don’t even know what they mean. Even things as simple as “lol” are showing up in everyday speech, not just in text messages. There isn’t really a point to abbreviating things when we talk, so why do it? Maybe it has become habitual. IDK, but I don’t see the point. I understand the use of them to make texting easier, and I also understand that texting is a great way to talk with others. I just find face-to-face conversations to be much more valuable.

Rather than talking to someone in person, we would rather text them to discuss something or make plans. Most people would say that texting is an easier form of communication, which is all fine and dandy. Though, it is a lot easier to misunderstand a text message than a face to face conversation, or phone call. In text messages tones can be misinterpreted and language can be misunderstood. In these cases it feels like more conflict is created through the use of texting.

By taking time away from our phones and communicating in person, we could build a bigger, better vocabulary, eliminate conflicts that evolve from misinterpretation and be able to better enjoy the world around us. Spend some time smelling actual roses, not Googling a picture of them. Take a day to put the phone away.