balance is key

When reading and comparing articles, it is easy to pick up on the commonalities and differences that each one has. This is true for articles named "Why Twitter Will Endure", "How Do I Love Thee? Count 140 Characters", and "Is Texting Writing?" Although each article discusses different topics, they still have few similar themes and topics.

In the first article, "Why Twitter Will Endure", Carr explains how Twitter has become a useful tool in not only his life, but of all Twitter users. Despite the silly lingo, Twitter provides useful information and updates on important news and can cut down research dramatically. Users must be mindful as to who they follow and also what they tweet, but with discretion, Twitter can be used as an outlet for useful information. Carr argues that this is, in fact, the reason why Twitter will remain and will not fade out like any other trend in the past.

The next article, "How Do I Love Thee? Count 140 Characters", discusses how Twitter is changing literature. With given only 140 characters to tweet, twitter users must shorten any thoughts or ideas down to a very distinct message. This concept of a short message is changing how people are writing. 

Lastly, in "Is Texting Writing?" explains how texting has taken off and is changing how students write. Students are required to write more than ever before and this is due to the advances in technology (Grabill). Emails, text messaging and writing assignments are how students are voicing their opinions in the form of text. Grabil explains that "the cell-phone is the new pencil." As students and teachers, we must learn to adapt to what is most relevant in our society, but not let our words become meaningless.

Although these three articles discuss different topics, they all discuss how technology is changing the way we write and receive information. From using tweets to find quick information to shortening one's thoughts to 140 characters, technology is shaping the way we are writing. It is our job as writers to stay relevant to our culture, but also to keep meaning and value of our words. The balance between the two is key to becoming an effective writer in the 21st century.

blessings.