Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation

Is google making us less intelligent? As we are living in a hyper-connected digital age, endless amounts of information are available at our fingertips. Some experts think that our increasing reliance on software has damaged our grammar, spelling and punctuation skills. So how is technology impacting our writing?

Spellcheck – a help or a hindrance?

Perhaps one of the largest digital influences on our poor spelling is spellcheck. Spellcheck has a lot of positives; it helps us to edit our work quickly and efficiently. However, in the past we would have to learn how to spell a word that we did not know how to spell, now we can rely on spellcheck and never accurately learn.

But it doesn’t stop there – software such as Grammarly can help us to edit our work. The software checks for poor grammar and highlights areas where it can be improved with suggestions on how to change it. Although this type of software can save us time, it can also make us lazier, and cause us to be less aware of the correct grammar.

Communication

Some experts think that this software has had an impact on our skills, cognition and even communication. But how can this happen?

Real-time digital tools have undoubtedly impacted our relationship with written language. An example of this is texting, which is full of abbreviations and acronyms designed to shorten words. The structure of texting also impacts our communication; as it mostly consists of short bursts intending to express what we are trying to say quickly, it is easy for our spelling, grammar and punctuation to suffer.

In the past, written language was the most formal type of communication, whereas, in modern times when we have an increased reliance on written language, it has become significantly less formal. Beyond this, people are reporting that they are speaking on the phone less and are now relying more on written communication such as text or email.

The psychological impact

Many linguistics experts believe that this digital shift has damaged our abilities to read accurately. As efficiency and speed have been prioritised, experts believe that much of the beauty of language has been lost, and that now we just seek to transmit ideas to the reader.

This could have a wider impact on our abilities to focus when reading books, as we are now more likely to scan or skim-read, looking for the core message rather than appreciating the language and taking it all in.

Keeping on top of your spelling, grammar and punctuation

Although it can be difficult, it is important to maintain a high standard of your written language. This is because it is still a necessity in a range of situations where formal writing is expected. In medicine, your letters, emails and other written correspondences must use the correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Being conscious of your spelling, grammar and punctuation can help you to combat many of these issues. Being mindful of words that you are struggling to spell, or grammar or punctuation that you are unsure of can help you to tackle the problem directly, even alongside software.

Reading more frequently can also help. Not only does reading help to increase focus, but you will make an unconscious note of spelling, grammar and punctuation, making it easier to improve your own.

Has your written communication been changing? Head over to our LinkedIn and let us know!