by Jocelyn Pearce

Created on: February 19, 2009

Most of us use the internet at least once daily. We check our emails. We write blog posts. We instant message our friends. We check (and re-check-it's addicting!) facebook. We read news stories and blogs. We research our homework and our hobbies. The ways we use the internet vary widely from person to person, but we have one thing in common: we all read and write when we use the internet.

The primary mode of communication online is words, therefore, we all must learn to use and understand language fluently in order to function as a part of twenty-first century society. Reading fifty years ago was something that happened at school or work, and was a part of social and recreational time for only those with particular intellectual inclinations. Now, though, words are the way we socialize and communicate with other people.

In a world where reading and writing are necessary skills, it is ridiculous to say that the internet hurtsreading skills; in fact, I would venture to say that it makes us a more literate society. Now, when reading is such a part of our lives in a way that is more enjoyable for more people (conversing with friends as opposed to completing a school assignment), it's something that people do more often, and, in many cases, willingly, and, therefore, something that is seen simply as part of life.

When something is an obvious part of our daily lives, it becomes effortless. Speaking. Walking. Driving. All things that we had to learn, at some point, but that have since become second nature to us (later in life in the case of driving, but that is an even more pertinent example; reading is not something infants learn). When we do them constantly, though, our skills improve. Practice makes perfect, and the internet means we all practice reading much, much more than our parents our grandparents. People tend to forget that reading is not an activity restricted to heavy, intellectual books; magazines, websites, and emails are just as valid, and improve language skills.

In the age of the internet, reading becomes second nature to us. When it takes so many forms, we forget to think of it as a chore, as something tedious assigned by teachers, but instead learn to think of it as entertainment and socialization. We learn to use and understand language in our lives to an extent seen in no previous generations, and our reading skills will certainly not be hurt by this daily practice.

Learn more about this author, Jocelyn Pearce.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.