Does this drive anyone else crazy besides me?

Question

In Yahoo answers, I'm amazed how many people can't spell even the simplest of words and can't even come up with a sentence that makes sense. Do people (particularly teens) just not care if they can't form a sentence or spell at all, or are our schools really failing that miserably? It's depressing!

Answer 1

im a teen and most of us type like that and not caring, cause were sooo used to being on AOL instant messanger, it seems to be easier for us to type

Answer 2

Does it really matter?

Answer 3

I know exactly what you mean. I make a special effort to use proper punctuation, spelling, and grammer.

I think that two things are happening. As the person above me says, teens are really used to AIM and texting and that sort of thing, where the use of full words is discouraged. At the same time, there is a growing sense that as long as the meaning is transmitted effectively, the way it is communicated is unimportant.

So, whatever you think of our schools, this is what the teachers have to face every year. It's sad, really, because I think that many American teachers are so discouraged by their poor payscale and lousy working conditions, they're willing to settle for really minimal performance.

It worrys me, because I see a situation shaping up where generations will be more divided than ever because of language use. I'm pretty sure there are teens out there who would find my writing as incomprehensible as I find theirs.

Answer 4

Yes. I can understand the "shorthand" most people use on instant messengers. But if you're on a page like this, why would you choose to present yourself in the worst of lights? Use an online dictionary to assure that your spelling is correct. Review your grammar and syntax before you submit your answers.

Yeah, well, that's my 2¢ worth.

Answer 5

I'm an English graduate student, and, admittedly, the pervasive lack of proper spelling and grammar on Y!A drives me nuts sometimes.  It helps, though, to consider the huge increase in literacy rates over the past centuries.  According to the CIA World Factbook, we're at 99% literacy.  That's incredible!  In 1900, the U.S. had an 11.3% illiteracy rate!  

For this kind of progress, I'm willing to sacrifice some proper spelling and grammar.  Consider, too, that all these teens are here on Y!A communicating in a purely textual medium, rather than watching television or YouTube or playing video games.  Might that indicate some progress as well?