7.2 The Lingering Effects of Linguistic Decline

Cognitive Impairment

Empirical studies reveal that overreliance on abbreviated digital communication contributes to reduced attention span, impaired memory consolidation, and diminished executive functioning (Shanmugasundaram & Tamilarasu, 2023). When young minds grow accustomed to short-form content, the neural pathways that support sustained analysis and synthesis are weakened.

Shrinking Vocabulary

The lexicon used in social media platforms has narrowed dramatically. Emojis replace adjectives. Acronyms replace context. A study by the University of Helsinki, which tracked language use on TikTok and Instagram, found a 30% drop in expressive vocabulary among users aged 13–18 compared to their counterparts in 2005 (Tusa’adah & Djauhari, 2025).

Erosion of Articulate Thought

Modern discourse favours speed over substance. In classrooms, debates are dying. In homes, dinner conversations are replaced by scrolling. The ability to articulate thought, reason, express, and challenge ideas through language is steadily fading, undermining the foundation of critical inquiry.

Language as a Tool of Thought, Not Just Speech

Language is not merely a tool for social interaction. It is the architecture of our inner world. Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once said, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” By restricting language to simplistic exchanges, we inadvertently restrict our mental universe. From the ancient dialogues of Plato to the precision of scientific terminology, civilization has thrived on rigorous, nuanced use of words. Language enables abstraction, comparison, empathy, and dissent. Without it, the richness of perception and the vigour of argument will falter.