MSN etc change the way people communicate

Description:

Instant messaging tools like MSN have changed the way, primarily the younger, communicate. The world has become bigger as result of these tools: it is very easy for a South African to communicate with someone from Brazil.

In addition text messages and MSN have created a whole new lingo that is pretty much incomprehensible for non-users of the tools. As an example from the sms lingo to english and vice versa translation site (transl8it) "a specL *S* a specL fAc a specL sum1 i cnt replAc, i luv u i alwayz wiL uve fillD a spAc no1 cn fiL"....

Those not in the know could loose touch with their children. Children are also likely to get in contact with the wrong people through chat sites and msn.

However, it remains a fact that these days the majority of people under 30 with internet access communicate via MSN and other instant messaging applications, use a different lingo and are open for communication with a much wider group than was ever possible.

Enablers:

o The ubiguiteness of broadband has enabled use of MSN etc. o The ubiguiteness of mobile phones has multiplied use of sms

Inhibitors:

There are hardly any inhibitors for this way of communication. Now the network effects have been established it is very hard to disable or inhibit use of these technologies and the changed way of communication.

It may be possible that this development is inhibited by increased parental or goverment control but this would be at very high cost.

Paradigms:

All young people use MSN and other chat sites in an incomprehensible language.

Experts:

MSN

Translate SMS lingo to English