In Digital Age, Reading and Writing Are As Important As Ever

In Digital Age, Reading and Writing Are as Important as Ever

Literacy experts say reading and writing remain as important as ever. After all, as you might have heard—thanks to the Internet and social media—today, everyone is a communicator.

As we constantly email, tweet, post and text, many of us can’t be without our smart phones for more than a minute. So, shouldn’t we be equally concerned about how our messages will be read, interpreted and judged by teachers, supervisors or customers?

Our instantaneous communications come with risks. We may respond so quickly that we haven’t really read what we have written or considered its impact. As lifelong readers and writers, we may feel confident in our digital communications when, actually, we should think twice and review our messages before hitting “send” or “post.”

Imagine the harm that can be done to a relationship if a social media post is phrased inappropriately. Or, imagine the risk to an individual sale or a company’s image if an email is worded incorrectly.

Using proper grammar, spelling and vocabulary, as well as sensitivity and diplomacy, can help to improve a grade, win a sale, collaborate professionally and get along personally. (Learn how to correct the "20 most common errors found in student papers" as well as other common writing mistakes.)

Digital literacy is actually built on the foundation of literacy skills that we learn at home and in school. When students use laptops or tablet computers to read e-books, research a topic online and write reports, they’re using traditional reading and writing skills to accomplish those tasks.

Even the simplest of online or electronic communications require the ability to read and write. “As a consequence,” says the international Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, “students who leave school without sufficient reading and writing skills may be even less able to participate fully in economic, social and civic life than they were in the past.”

Indeed, just applying for a job today requires knowing how to complete and submit an application online and possibly how to write and post (upload) a cover letter and resume.

Even high school graduates with no college background might have to communicate electronically at work. For example, they may have to email customers or co-workers, and a poorly worded message can damage both the individual’s and employer’s reputation.

With literacy being such a key part of digital life, students and employees using computerized technology should demonstrate an acceptable literacy skill level as well.

“Literacy is for life” is a public awareness campaign of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, aiming to improve literacy for Pennsylvania children from infancy through grade 12.