Are you familiar with the language Internet chatters use? If you understand this conversation, you probably like to chat on the Internet. Millions of Internet users around the world are using a language that they are developing themselves. This new English, or Internet slang, is mad up of new words such as "blog"; contractions such as "HMWK" for "homework"; acronyms (words formed from first letters) such as "LOL" for "laughing out loud"; and finally, symblos that represent emotions, like ":)".
Why do people use Internet slang? The main reason has to do with speed Internet chatters are usually in a hurry. They want to send their messages quickly. By using contractions and symbols, writers can type more words per minute. Why take the time to type "For your information" when you could simply type "FYI"?Some of the new words and contractions used by chatters eventually become a part of everyday speech. In this way, chatters are helping the English language to grow. They are inventing new terms that will probably soon appear in dictionaries. You can already find the words "blog" and "blogging" in most new dictionaries.
It's not difficult to find negative opinions about Internet slang. Using Internet slang almost everyday, chatters are starting not to care about correct spellings or grammar. Many teachers complain that students who are used to online chatting are confusing Internet slang with proper English. They worry that chatters are contaminating the language with their invented words and careless grammar. They say Internet chatters should pay attention to using English correctly online. What do you think?
Interesting topic, I think there's a time and a place for both, but if you want to be professional, or if you're trying to put your best foot forward it's probably not a good idea to type "LOL" after every sentence. In casual conversation with people you know well, however, I don't see a problem, because like you said it's faster, especially when one is texting on a small phone without a full keyboard. I guess bottom line is there is room in the world for both, but slang isn't an acceptable substitute for proper english.
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