Has social media changed the way we communicate?

Humans are naturally social beings. We thrive on connection, community, and staying close to those we care about. It’s no surprise, then, that social media has become such a central part of our lives. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook allow us to share pictures, videos, and messages instantly – activities that now feel as routine as our morning coffee. In fact, over 56% of the world’s population is socially connected, spending an average of two hours and 27 minutes daily on their favourite platforms. Considering that MySpace, the first popular social network, launched less than 20 years ago, this shift is nothing short of revolutionary. 

But how exactly has social media transformed the way we communicate? You might not notice it immediately, but the evidence is everywhere – in both our personal and professional interactions.

Take a moment to reflect on your work emails. Are they as formal as they were five or ten years ago? Probably not. Today, emails are often shorter and more direct, reflecting the brevity we’ve grown accustomed to on social media. 

Instead of saying, “It sounds great! I will see you this afternoon,” you’re more likely to write, “Sounds great! See you later.” This streamlined, casual style mirrors how we message friends and colleagues online. Social media has taught us to prioritize speed and simplicity in our communication – something that’s clearly seeped into our professional lives.

The global nature of social media has also encouraged us to borrow words and phrases from other languages and cultures. Terms like ‘staycation’ and ‘bake-off’ (popularized in the US) are now firmly part of British vocabulary. Similarly, phrases like ‘Can I get...?’ – once considered purely American – are now heard across the UK, especially in coffee shops. 

And let’s not forget ‘awesome!’ – a word that, 20 years ago, you’d rarely hear a British speaker utter. Today, it’s everywhere.

This linguistic shift isn’t limited to English. Social media and pop culture are shaping languages worldwide. To explore this phenomenon, we conducted a poll with 1,600 linguists across the globe. Their insights were fascinating. 

For example, in Cantonese, the English shorthand ‘cuz’ (short for ‘because’) has become so widely used that it’s often paired with traditional Cantonese symbols in written communication. Similarly, Italian speakers have adopted ‘LOL’ as part of their everyday lexicon. 

These examples highlight how social media doesn’t just influence language; it creates entirely new hybrids. Borrowed words and abbreviations are making their way into languages everywhere, blending cultures and communication styles in real-time.

As we continue to explore how language evolves in the digital age, we’ll be sharing more insights from our linguists. From their favourite words to predictions about which terms might disappear in the next 25 years, there’s plenty to uncover. Follow the conversation with #WeLoveLanguage and join us in celebrating the beauty of communication.