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Language in the Age of Social Media: How Digital Communication is Changing the Way We Speak
As a Gen-Z teenager, I’m very interested in modern English. We live in an age of modern technology, so using social media is really common. It’s nearly impossible for most people to live without it. Today, I’m going to talk about how social media has transformed the way we use language in our daily lives.
From abbreviations to emojis, and hashtags to memes, digital platforms have created a whole new style of communication.
But is this change good or bad? Let’s explore.
Social Media as a New Linguistic Environment
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Snapchat are not just for sharing content โ they’re places where new forms of language are born and spread rapidly.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
On social media, speed is everything. That’s why users rely on abbreviations and acronyms to get their point across quickly.
- IDK = I don’t know
- TMI = Too much information
- POV = Point of view
- LOL = Laugh out loud
- BRB = Be right back
These are now part of everyday English, even outside social media.
Hashtags and Memes as Language Tools
Hashtags like #mood, #throwback, #blessed are more than trends โ they add context and emotion to posts.
Memes also carry language in visual form โ they spread catchphrases and cultural references in a fun and fast way.
The Impact on Formal Language
Some critics believe social media is “ruining grammar”, but others argue it’s just a new form of creative expression.
While informal language dominates online platforms, most people can still switch between casual and formal English depending on the situation โ this is called code-switching.
Conclusion
To conclude, social media has clearly reshaped the way we use language. It’s faster, shorter, more visual, and constantly evolving.
Sources:
- Gretchen McCulloch โ “Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language”
- Nurasia Natsir et al. โ “The Impact of Language Changes Caused by Technology and Social Media.”
Young Inventors and Their Inventions
Shubham Banerjee – Inventor of Braigo!
Hello everyone! Today I’m going to tell you the inspiring story of a young inventor named Shubham Banerjee and his amazing invention called Braigo, a Braille printer made from LEGO parts!
Who Is Shubham Banerjee?
Shubham Banerjee was born in Hasselt, Belgium. The family moved to San Jose, California when he was four years old. Later he moved to Santa Clara, California and completed his elementary schooling at Don Callejon School. He joined Magnolia Science Academy in Santa Clara in middle school for a couple of months, before moving to Champion School in San Jose for middle school.
How the Idea Started
One day, Shubham saw a flyer asking for donations for blind people. He started wondering, ‘How do blind people read?’ After some research, he discovered that they use Braille, a special writing system made of tiny raised dots. But when he looked up Braille printers, he was shocked โ they cost over $2,000! That gave him an idea.
The Problem
Shubham realized that the high price of Braille printers meant that many blind students around the world didn’t have access to reading and learning materials. He wanted to create a cheaper, simpler, and accessible solution.
The Invention โ Braigo
Using his LEGO robotics kit, Shubham began building his own Braille printer at home. He designed the machine, wrote the code, and tested it over and over. When it finally worked, he named it Braigo โ a mix of ‘Braille’ and ‘LEGO.’ It could print Braille letters just like professional printers, but at a fraction of the cost!
How Braigo Works
Braigo connects to a computer or program that translates normal text into Braille letters. Then the LEGO parts move to press small dots into paper in the right pattern. It’s simple, creative, and low-cost โ a perfect example of using technology to help others.
Recognition and Awards
After building Braigo, Shubham was recognized all over the world! Big companies like Intel supported him, and he even started his own company, Braigo Labs Inc., to keep improving his invention. He became one of the youngest inventors in the technology world.
Impact Around the World
Because of Braigo, many people realized that technology can be powerful and kind at the same time.
Shubham’s invention helps blind students read and learn independently. His story also motivates other young people to invent things that solve real-world problems.
What We Can Learn from Shubham
Shubham teaches us that anyone can be an inventor. You don’t need to be an adult, rich, or famous.
You just need curiosity, creativity, and compassion. Great ideas can start from small questions like ‘Why not try?’
Conclusion
To wrap up โ Braigo is an invention that shows how one young mind can make a big difference. Shubham Banerjee’s creativity brought hope and opportunity to many people. His story reminds us that great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, at any age.
Sources Used:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braigo
- https://www.visionip.org/braigo/
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