Thirteen-year-old Shyla Carter recently found herself in a heated dispute with a classmate, which quickly escalated online. The incident sparked her decision to delete her Instagram and TikTok accounts due to the frustration she felt towards the constant stream of misinformation and sensationalism on social media.
Carter’s experience is not an isolated incident, as educators and experts have noticed a concerning trend among teenagers. They are increasingly adopting “chat” slang, which originated on online platforms like Twitter and TikTok, in their everyday conversations. This phenomenon has raised concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s communication skills, social dynamics, and mental health.
Experts warn that the proliferation of “chat” slang is not only a symptom of a broader issue but also a reflection of it. Social media platforms have become an integral part of teenagers’ lives, and they are bombarded with content that can be both entertaining and inflammatory. As a result, many young people struggle to distinguish between online and offline interactions.
School counselor Peralta has seen firsthand the effects of social media on his students. He notes that many of them feel pressure to conform to certain norms or be funny, as they see quantitative measures of popularity in the form of likes and comments. This can lead to a conflation of wit and humor with whoever has the top-liked comment.
The language of “getting ratioed” and “owned” is also on the rise among teenagers. They often trade memes and trends back and forth on social media, which can perpetuate problematic behavior.
However, not all experts agree that this is a cause for concern. Some argue that many teenagers are already well-socialized and have a good handle on navigating their online interactions. Peralta acknowledges that it’s essential to approach this issue with nuance, rather than simply blaming parents, governments, or tech companies.
For Carter, the solution lies in being more mindful of when to engage with online content versus offline relationships. She expresses her desire to disconnect from social media and avoid conflicts like the one she experienced.
As teenagers continue to navigate the complexities of social media, it’s essential for educators, experts, and parents to have open and honest conversations about the impact of online interactions on their mental health and well-being. By promoting critical thinking and digital literacy, we can empower young people to make informed decisions about their online presence and foster healthier relationships with technology.
In a final note, Carter gathered her books, completed her math homework, and bid farewell to Peralta before heading out for the evening, saying “Later, chat.” This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries between online and offline interactions.
Source: https://slate.com/technology/2024/11/chat-gen-alpha-teens-slang-twitch-streamers.html