Impact of Texting on Literacy
Dr. Michelle Drouin
Dr. Michelle Drouin
- Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology
- Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne
- Research focus on the impact of texting (and other types of technology) on literacy, communication, and relationships
Research Study
- College students' use of textisms/text speak and their literacy levels
- Looked at their reported use of textisms (i.e. "UR" and "2" in replace of to and too)
- Difficult to get naturalistic data
- Look specifically at the ability to translate the words that are commonly used and how difficult it was for students to translate back to standard language
Findings
- Students who said that they used texting a lot have just a high literacy levels than students who do not text as frequently
- Also no difference between translating
- Media: "Texting is eroding the English language"
- Students felt like textisms were having a negative effect on their standard English usage
Parents
- Cautiously optimistic
- Research at Coventry University: 10 & 11 year olds who can use textisms actually do better on literacy tests
- Be aware of appropriate forums of text speak
Teachers
- Make the distinction in your classroom
Principals & Policymakers
- Outline how much texting is allowed in the schools (Clear guidelines)
- Put on future agenda (not enough research at the moment)