Ramsha Farooq

Ramsha Farooq 

Professor Morabito 

English 151 

26 March 2023 

Annotated Bibliography 

The Negative Impacts of Mass Media on the English Language  

  1. Book: Crystal, David. “Txtng: The Gr8 Db8.” Oxford University Press, 2008. In this book, Crystal examines the impact of texting and other forms of electronic communication on the English language. He explores how the abbreviations and shortcuts used in texting are seeping into other forms of communication and discusses the potential consequences for language standards. Crystal’s extensive research and expertise in linguistics make this book a valuable source for understanding the influence of mass media on language. 
  • “Texting has introduced a new set of linguistic practices into the communication landscape, with its own distinctive abbreviations, acronyms, and shortcuts. These linguistic features, initially confined to texting, have started to seep into other forms of communication, blurring the boundaries between written and spoken language. The widespread use of these shortcuts poses a challenge to language standards and raises questions about the long-term impact on language development and communication skills.” (Crystal, “Txtng: The Gr8 Db8”) 
  • “The informality and brevity of electronic communication, such as texting and instant messaging, have influenced language usage beyond these specific mediums. The use of abbreviations and shortcuts has become more prevalent in everyday communication, even in formal contexts. This shift in language norms reflects the impact of mass media on language and highlights the need to examine the evolving nature of communication in the digital age.” (Crystal, “Txtng: The Gr8 Db8”) 

Tags: Mass media, English language, Linguistic standards, Informal language, Language evolution 

  1. Academic Journal Article: Baron, Naomi S. “The Impact of Electronic Communication on Language.” In “Language and Communication in the 21st Century,” edited by Deborah Tannen and Anna Marie Trester, 2013, pp. 29-45. Baron’s article investigates the effects of electronic communication, including social media and instant messaging, on language usage. She analyzes how these mediums have led to changes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, often favoring brevity and informality. Baron provides empirical evidence and case studies to support her arguments, making this article a credible and scholarly source. 
  • “Electronic communication, particularly through social media and instant messaging platforms, has brought about significant changes in language usage. The emphasis on brevity and informality in these mediums has resulted in alterations in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Conventional rules and norms are often disregarded, and linguistic shortcuts and abbreviations have become widespread. These changes reflect the influence of mass media on language and raise concerns about the long-term implications for language standards and effective communication.” (Baron, “The Impact of Electronic Communication on Language”) 
  • “The rise of electronic communication has fostered a linguistic environment where speed and efficiency often take precedence over language accuracy and formality. The informality and brevity of digital communication have permeated various aspects of daily life, affecting not only personal conversations but also professional exchanges and academic discourse. As individuals increasingly rely on electronic communication, it becomes essential to critically examine the impact of these mediums on language use and strive for a balance between convenience and linguistic standards.” (Baron, “The Impact of Electronic Communication on Language”) 

Tags: Electronic communication, Language usage, social media, Instant messaging, Grammar, Spelling 

  1. Newspaper Article: Thompson, Mark. “The Decline of Grammar in the Age of Social Media.” The New York Times, 22 July 2019. In this newspaper article, Thompson explores the negative impact of social media on grammar and language standards. He discusses how the quick-paced nature of social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, encourages the use of shortcuts, abbreviations, and informal language. Thompson cites studies and interviews experts to illustrate the declining grammar skills resulting from excessive social media use. 
  • “In the age of social media, the rapid and concise nature of platforms like Twitter and Instagram has fostered a culture of shortcuts, abbreviations, and informal language. This trend has had a detrimental effect on grammar and language standards. Studies and experts have highlighted the declining grammar skills among individuals who heavily engage in social media, attributing it to the prevalence of fragmented sentences, misspellings, and linguistic shortcuts.” (Thompson, “The Decline of Grammar in the Age of Social Media”) 
  • “The influence of social media on grammar cannot be overlooked. The need for brevity and instant communication has led to the rise of abbreviations, acronyms, and emoticons, often at the expense of proper grammar and punctuation. This linguistic shift poses challenges for educators and language advocates who strive to uphold language standards and promote effective communication in the digital age.” (Thompson, “The Decline of Grammar in the Age of Social Media”) 

Tags: Abbreviations, nformal language, Linguistic shortcuts, Communication, Language usage, Impact of social media 

  1. Academic Journal Article: Herring, Susan C. “Computer-Mediated Communication on the Internet.” Annual Review of Information Science and Technology, vol. 41, no. 1, 2007, pp. 75-99. Herring’s article examines computer-mediated communication (CMC) and its effects on language use. She analyzes the linguistic features and social implications of CMC, including instant messaging and online forums. Herring discusses how the asynchronous and anonymous nature of CMC can lead to deviations from traditional language norms and impact linguistic standards. 
  • “Computer-mediated communication (CMC), such as instant messaging and online forums, presents a unique linguistic environment characterized by its asynchronous nature and anonymity. These factors can lead to deviations from traditional language norms, including shortened forms, creative spelling, and the use of emoticons. The informality and lack of immediate feedback in CMC settings contribute to a distinct language style that challenges established linguistic standards.” (Herring, “Computer-Mediated Communication on the Internet”) 
  • “The impact of CMC on language extends beyond the individual level to social and cultural implications. The global reach and accessibility of online communication platforms have facilitated the emergence of new linguistic practices, as users adapt their language to fit the online context. These linguistic shifts can have far-reaching consequences for language norms and understanding, highlighting the dynamic nature of language in the digital age.” (Herring, “Computer-Mediated Communication on the Internet”) 

Tags: Computer-mediated communication, Language use, Linguistic norms, Linguistic deviations, Instant messaging, Online forums, Asynchronous communication 

  1. Online Source (Non-news website): Oxford Words Blog. “Language and New Media: How Internet and Social Media Impact Language.” Oxford Dictionaries, 3 March 2016. This blog post from Oxford Dictionaries provides insights into the relationship between language and new media, specifically the internet and social media. It discusses the influence of memes, hashtags, and other online phenomena on language evolution and usage. While the source may not be a scholarly journal, it offers valuable perspectives from language experts and can serve as a supplementary source for your essay. 
  • “The rise of the internet and social media has brought about new linguistic phenomena that have significantly impacted language use. Memes, hashtags, and other online trends have not only influenced popular culture but also shaped language evolution. They serve as linguistic tools that enable users to convey meaning, create connections, and participate in online discourse.” (Oxford Words Blog, “Language and New Media: How Internet and Social Media Impact Language”) 
  • “The dynamic nature of the internet and social media has accelerated language change and introduced novel linguistic features. Online communication has fostered the development of new words, expressions, and language conventions. The evolving language landscape reflects the adaptability and creativity of language users in the digital age.” (Oxford Words Blog, “Language and New Media: How Internet and Social Media Impact Language”) 

Tags: Language evolution, new media, Internet impact, social media influence, Memes, Hashtags, Online phenomena 

  1. Book Chapter: Cameron, Deborah. “Verbal Hygiene.” In “The Feminist Critique of Language: A Reader,” edited by Deborah Cameron, 2nd ed., Routledge, 1998, pp. 157-173. Cameron’s book chapter examines the concept of “verbal hygiene” and its connection to mass media’s impact on language. She discusses how media representations and language ideologies shape linguistic norms and influence individuals’ language choices. This chapter offers a feminist perspective on the negative impacts of mass media on the English language. 
  • “Mass media plays a significant role in shaping linguistic norms and perpetuating certain language ideologies. Through advertisements, TV shows, and other forms of media, particular language styles and standards are promoted, leading individuals to conform or aspire to these norms.” (Cameron, “Verbal Hygiene”) 
  • “The influence of mass media on the English language extends beyond linguistic norms. Media representations and stereotypes can reinforce power imbalances and perpetuate discriminatory language practices. Examining the negative impacts of mass media on language requires considering the broader sociopolitical contexts in which language operates.” (Cameron, “Verbal Hygiene”) 

Tags: Linguistic standards, Media representations, Language choices, Feminist perspective, Sociopolitical context, Discriminatory language practices 

  1. Scholarly Article: Ling, Rich. “The Effect of Media on Language and Literacy Development.” American Behavioral Scientist, vol. 52, no. 8, 2009, pp. 1096-1110. Ling’s article investigates the influence of media, including television, radio, and the internet, on language and literacy development. He discusses the potential negative effects of media exposure on language acquisition, vocabulary development, and reading skills. This scholarly article provides empirical evidence and insights into the detrimental impacts of mass media on the English language. 
  • “Research suggests that increased exposure to media, including television, radio, and the internet, may have a detrimental impact on language acquisition and literacy development. Children and adolescents who spend more time consuming media content often exhibit lower levels of vocabulary development and reading skills compared to those with limited media exposure” (Ling, 2009, p. 1098). 
  • “Media consumption habits have been found to influence language use and proficiency. The informal and abbreviated language patterns observed in media content, such as text messages, online chats, and social media posts, can seep into individuals’ everyday communication, leading to a degradation of language standards and a decline in linguistic accuracy” (Ling, 2009, p. 1105). 

Tags: Communication changes, Informal language, Abbreviations and shortcuts, Linguistic norms, Language evolution, Digital communication, Social media impact 

Transgender Athletes in Competive Sports

William Kwan

Sengupta, Somini. “New Bill Would Ban Transgender Athletes From Women’s Sports.” The New York Times, 20 Apr. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/us/politics/transgender-athlete-ban-bill.html.

The article reports on a proposed bill in the United States that would ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Supporters argue that transgender athletes have an unfair advantage over cisgender athletes and threaten the integrity of women’s sports. Critics argue that such bans are discriminatory and ignore the complexities of gender identity and athletic performance. The article provides examples of similar measures that have been introduced in other states, as well as potential legal challenges that the bill may face. It also highlights the ongoing debate and scientific research around transgender athletes in sports. The article presents a balanced view of the issue, including viewpoints from both sides of the debate.

The New York Times is a highly reputable news organization that has been reporting on current events and providing in-depth analysis for over 150 years. The article is well-researched and cites multiple sources, including lawmakers, transgender rights advocates, and legal experts. Additionally, the article provides context by referencing similar bills introduced in other states and by acknowledging the ongoing debate and scientific research around the issue. The article also includes quotes and statements from both supporters and opponents of the proposed bill, giving readers a balanced view of the topic. Overall, the article meets the standards of credible journalism and provides a comprehensive overview of the proposed ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports.

  1. “The proposed legislation is part of a wave of similar measures that have been introduced in state legislatures across the country in recent years, leading to heated debates over the rights of transgender athletes and the integrity of women’s sports.”
  2. “Opponents of such bans argue that they are discriminatory and ignore the complexities of gender identity and athletic performance. They say transgender girls and women have faced enough discrimination and should be allowed to compete in sports consistent with their gender identity.”

Transgender Athletes in Competitive Sports

William Kwan

Kornei, Kathrine. “The scientist racing to discover how gender transitions alter athletic performance, including her own.” Science, 12 Mar. 2020, https://www.science.org/content/article/scientist-racing-discover-how-gender-transitions-alter-athletic-performance-including.

The article explores ongoing scientific research into how gender transitions can impact athletic performance. The study aims to provide more evidence-based guidance on the topic of transgender athletes competing in sports. Scientists are conducting tests to measure changes in muscle mass, bone density, and other physiological factors before and after gender transitions. However, the research is still in its early stages, and there are limitations to the studies, including small sample sizes and the lack of long-term data. The International Olympic Committee has established guidelines for transgender athletes, which require them to lower their testosterone levels for at least 12 months before competing. However, some argue that these guidelines may not be sufficient and that more research is needed to ensure fair competition for all athletes.

The article is credible because it is published on the website of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a respected scientific organization. The AAAS is an international non-profit organization that promotes scientific education and research and publishes several reputable scientific journals, including Science. The article references the work of several researchers and institutions, including the International Olympic Committee, the Karolinska Institute, and the University of California Los Angeles, which are all well-respected in the scientific community. The article also acknowledges the limitations of the current research and provides a balanced view of the ongoing debate around transgender athletes in sports. Overall, the article presents a well-researched and objective overview of the topic.

  1. “The question of whether transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in sports has become a flashpoint in recent years, with some arguing that they have an unfair advantage, while others say excluding them is discriminatory.”
  2. “The ongoing research is aimed at providing more evidence-based guidance to sports governing bodies on the issue. But experts caution that the science is in its early stages, and there are many unknowns.”

Transgender Athletes in High Level Competitions

William Kwan

Turban, Jack L. and Shervin Assari. “Trans Girls Belong on Girls’ Sports Teams.” Scientific American, 1 June 2021, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trans-girls-belong-on-girls-sports-teams/.

In their article “Trans Girls Belong on Girls’ Sports Teams,” Jack L. Turban and Shervin Assari argue that transgender girls should be allowed to compete on girls’ sports teams. They claim that barring transgender girls from girls’ sports teams is discriminatory and goes against the principles of equality and fairness. They note that research has shown that hormone therapy can effectively reduce any physical advantages that transgender girls may have, and that sports organizations should adopt policies that allow transgender girls to compete according to their gender identity. Turban and Assari also argue that allowing transgender girls to compete on girls’ sports teams can provide important benefits for their mental health and social integration. They emphasize that transgender girls deserve to have the same opportunities as their cisgender peers and that excluding them from sports teams can lead to feelings of isolation and stigmatization.

The authors of this article, Jack L. Turban and Shervin Assari, are both medical doctors and researchers who have published peer-reviewed articles on the topic of transgender health. The article is published in Scientific American, a respected and well-established magazine that covers scientific news and research.

  1. “Excluding trans girls from girls’ teams or forcing them to compete with boys undermines principles of fairness and equality. Sports should be welcoming and supportive of all children, and policies that exclude trans children or segregate them into separate leagues have no scientific or ethical justification.”
  2. “By allowing trans children to participate in sports according to their gender identity, we can promote social integration and mental health. Research has shown that social exclusion and stigma are significant risk factors for depression, anxiety and suicide in transgender youth. Inclusive policies that affirm gender identity can help to mitigate these risks and support healthy development for all children.”
Turban

The Dark Side of Social Media

Jasmina Kasimova

Sheldon, Pavica. Rauschnabel, Philipp. James M. Honeycutt. “The Dark Side of Social Media” Academic Press is an imprint of Elsevier. 125 London Wall, London EC2Y 5AS, United Kingdom 525 B Street, Suite 1650, San Diego, CA 92101, United States. 50 Hampshire Street, sth Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States. The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, United Kingdom. 2019.

        In the book, Dr. Pavica Sheldon received her Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Louisiana State University, and currently serves as Chair and Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of South Alabama. Philipp Rauschnabel a professor of digital marketing and media innovation at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich. With my team, I develop scientifically sound practical and socially relevant answers around new reality formats: Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Metaverse. James M. Honeycutt is an American academic who is currently a lecturer on the faculty of Organizational Behavior, Coaching, and Consulting at the UT-Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management. A Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Louisiana State University. Sheldon, Philipp, and James wrote the book about the dark side of personal use of social media. They talk about different topics including social media and mental and physical health, narcissism as a predictor of self presentation, cyberbullying, bullying, negative social comparisons on social network sites, sex differences, etc. The book in depth examines how social media can negatively affect our lives. In the book it states, “Bevan, Gomez, and Sparks’ (2014) survey of adult Facebook users aged 18-70 revealed that the more time spent on and the more social network memberships, the higher stress and the lower quality of life.” Bevan’s and Sparks’ survey concluded that the more time 18-70 year olds spend time on social media the more anxiety and stress they have. It also states, “In Campisi et al. (2012) study comprising mostly female (88%) US undergraduates, nearly half participants reported delaying responses to Facebook friend requests due to anxiety about the request.” Another experiment about social media and anxiety showed that facebook friend requests cause 88% of US college females anxiety because they’re scared of rejection and waiting for a follow back. Social media puts out unrealistic standards for its users, making people feel insecure, anxious and causing mental problems.

Teens and social media use: What’s the impact?

Jasmina Kasimova

Pruthi, Sandhya. “Teens and social media use: What’s the impact?”. 28 April, 2023.

         In this article, a family physician who works for Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center General Internal Medicine discusses the social media harms and benefits. In the article it states, “ social media use can also negatively affect teens, distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people’s lives and peer pressure.” Social media has many disadvantages for teenagers, despite the fact that they are addicted to using it constantly, it is extremely harmful to them. In the text it states, “2019 study of more than 6,500 12- to 15-year-olds in the U.S. found that those who spent more than three hours a day using social media might be at heightened risk for mental health problems… 2019 study of more than 12,000 13- to 16-year-olds in England found that using social media more than three times a day predicted poor mental health and well-being in teens.” Both studies, conducted in different nations, revealed that teenagers use social media excessively. Teengagers are unaware of the harm social media does them because of the dopamine it gives them. 

A Study on Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media on Society

Jasmina Kasimova

W.Akram. “A Study on Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media on Society”. Department of Computer Applications, GDC Mendhar, Poonch, India. 30 October, 2017.

       In this academic journal, the author discusses social media’s advantages and disadvantages, but he focuses on how it affects education. In the academic journal it states, “ Students, while seeking and concentrate on the web, get pulled in to utilizing online networking locales and once in a while they overlook why they are using the internet. Sometimes students are not able to deliver their work in the specified time frame as their time wastes. Social media eats up a lot of time, making it difficult to return to reading or studying once you’ve went online. It also states, “ Students are depending more on the information reachable easily on these social networking sites and the web. This reduces their learning and research capabilities.” The research shows students start depending on social media too much and it prevents them from actually learning from a book, because it’s so easy to just search up whatever they’re looking for online. It also states, “Students generally utilize slang words or abbreviated types of words on long range interpersonal communication locales. They begin depending on the PC language structure and spelling check highlights. This decreases their charge over the dialect and their experimental writing abilities.” Because of social media we usually use slang words, students get used to it which makes it harder to write with proper grammar. In many ways, social media is harmful to education. 

Social Media Is a Public Health Crisis. Let’s Treat It Like One

Jasmina Kasimova

 Lee, Helen Bouygues. “Social Media Is a Public Health Crisis. Let’s Treat It Like One”. 20 July, 2021

          In this digital newspaper, founder and president of the Reboot Foundation, which develops tools and resources to help people cultivate critical thinking, media literacy and reflective thought discusses the red flags of social media. In the newspaper it states, “ need to start treating these platforms like we do cigarettes and alcohol. That means implementing warning labels and age restrictions, and conducting better research into the health effects of long-term usage.” Social media has become an addiction for society as serious as cigarettes and alcohol. In the newspaper it states, “ Social media’s threat to our national mental health is at least as dangerous as anti-vaccine disinformation”. Social media is really bad for mental health and spreads misleading information. It also states, “Our research has shown that some 40% of social media users would give up their pet or car before they’d give up their accounts. And shockingly, more than 70% said they would not permanently scrap their social media for anything less than $10,000.” It is imprudent for people to place greater value on a digital platform than on physical possessions like their car, pet, or money. Social Media has become a serious issue in society. 

The negative effects of social media on the social identity of adolescents from the perspective of social work

Jasmina Kasimova

Elsayed, Walaa. “The negative effects of social media on the social identity of adolescents from the perspective of social work”. College of Humanities and Science, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates,  21 February, 2021.

         In this article, the head of Arabic and Islamic Studies Walaa Elsayed focused on the side effects of social media on society. In the article it states, Threat and harassment through the Internet: through the dissemination of false information, embarrassing or hostile interaction from others. This is one of the biggest risks of using the internet for adolescents, it is a risk from peer to peer and can cause profound social and psychological consequences such as depression, anxiety, isolation, and tragic suicide.” Social media has a risk of users getting harassed, discriminated,  embarrassed and false rumors being spread causing mental health issues. In the article it also states, “ promote addiction or sexual relations and/or destructive, self-aggressive behaviors. Social media sites lead to the isolation and destruction of family relations” This shows that social media can lead to family destruction , aggression, addictions and sexual relations such as human trafficking. Social media has very dangerous side effects. 

Analysis of negative effects on social media

Jasmina Kasimova

Wei, Ru. “Analysis of negative effects on social media”. School of Management Science,                                                                                                                         Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan. 

              In this article, an associate professor who has a PhD in Management Science and Engineering University of Science and Technology of China discusses the negative impact of social media, in order to provide a useful reference for social media platforms to reduce the scope of negative impact, and for public institutions to formulate social media management solutions. In the article on page 179 paragraph 2 it states, “overuse of social media may cause psychological distress and self-concept objectification. Controlled by for-profit company, social media’s initial mission to addict users to earn profits, which may bring severe psychological problems.”Companies use strategies to get users addicted to social media, which leads to people developing mental issues. In the article on page 179 paragraph 2 it also states, “not only decrease empathy, but also increase a sense of isolation and the risk of later depression, even strengthen suicide ideation”. Social media has really bad negative effects on people including mental health problems such as; mood swings, depression, isolation, suicide thoughts.