The rapid expansion of digital communication platforms has transformed the way people interact. While these technologies have undoubtedly improved convenience and connectivity, it is increasingly apparent that they may also undermine the development of essential literacy skills among young people. I strongly agree that excessive reliance on computers and mobile phones can negatively affect both reading and writing abilities.
From an educational perspective, one major concern is the decline in critical reading skills. Because young people are constantly exposed to short and fragmented messages on social media, they are rarely required to engage in deep intellectual analysis. This phenomenon can be attributed to information overload and the dominance of superficial interaction in online environments. As a result, students often experience a shortened attention span, which makes it difficult for them to comprehend complex academic texts that require sustained cognitive engagement.
In addition, the frequent use of informal language in digital communication platforms contributes to the deterioration of formal writing conventions. A growing body of evidence suggests that constant exposure to slang, abbreviations, and emojis can lead to language degradation over time. Students using such informal styles daily may struggle to adapt to academic language proficiency when required to produce structured essays or reports. Not only does this habit reduce grammatical accuracy, but it also weakens their ability to express ideas in a coherent and sophisticated manner.
Nevertheless, it could be argued that digital devices also provide access to vast educational resources. However, this advantage is often outweighed by the tendency of young users to prioritise entertainment at the expense of intellectual engagement. If students relied less on informal digital communication, their reading comprehension and writing performance would improve significantly.
In conclusion, although computers and mobile phones play an important role in modern communication, their excessive use can hinder the development of critical reading and formal writing skills. It is widely believed that without balanced usage, young people may face long-term challenges in achieving academic language proficiency.