the increasing reliance on computers and mobile phones has profoundly altered the way young people communicate. Some critics argue that this has led to a decline in their reading and writing abilities. While there is some truth to this concern, I believe that technology has both negative and positive effects on literacy development, depending on how it is used.
A key drawback is that digital communication encourages brevity and informality. Teenagers frequently rely on abbreviations, slang, or emojis instead of constructing coherent sentences. For example, messages such as “brb, ttyl” or “omg that’s so funny lol” are common in social media and texting. Such habits can weaken grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary acquisition. Furthermore, the preference for short online content over traditional books or lengthy articles reduces comprehension and critical thinking skills. Over time, these patterns may affect attention span and reduce confidence in academic writing. As a result, many young people may struggle with formal writing tasks or engaging with complex texts.
Despite these disadvantages, technology also provides substantial benefits. Students have access to a wide range of online resources, including e-libraries, scholarly journals, newspapers, and educational platforms, which can enhance reading skills and vocabulary. Daily writing tasks, such as emails, online discussions, and school assignments, encourage organization, coherence, and clarity. Digital tools such as grammar checkers, style guides, and vocabulary apps provide instant feedback, allowing learners to identify mistakes and improve efficiently. These tools, combined with regular practice, can help students maintain and even strengthen their reading and writing abilities. Therefore, when technology is used carefully and balanced with traditional literacy practices, it can serve as an effective educational resource.