Instant messaging has led to the formation of many new terms: “g2g” (got to go), “lol” (laugh out loud), “jk” (just kidding), and “brb” (be right back) are just a few examples of the Internet shorthand that has evolved.

It is acceptable to use this shorthand when talking on the Internet, but a problem arises when it begins to creep into places it shouldn’t be: job applications and academic writing, for example. The informality of online communication can become ingrained in students’ writing styles. Senior Pavit Gill acknowledges the impact of instant messaging on his own writing.

“After I used AIM for a certain amount of time, it actually started messing me up whenever I had to type a paper for some class,” senior Pavit Gill said. “I would start abbreviating words, subconsciously I suppose.”

The majority of students feel, however, that people should have enough judgment to recognize when to use online language.

“It’s kind of just common sense to not use words like ‘cuss’ in an English paper. It’s like cussing; you should know when to use it and when not to use it,” junior Avi Hosseinbor said.

The language used in instant messaging and academic writing are as different as the language used at a basketball game and a place of worship.

If the majority of students do most of their writing online and on AIM, however, their instantaneous nature may have an affect on academic writing.

“It’s fast… and if you’re going to be a good writer it’s a slow process. Good writing takes time,” English teacher Lewis Sinclair said.