The impact of technology on language is a topic that often causes concern, with many assuming that it is simply ruining it．However, language experts resist such pessimism, noting that there is little evidence to support the view that speech is getting worse．Gretchen McCulloch, in her book Because Internet, focuses on what can be learned about language from the internet rather than talking about its supposed negative effects．
McCulloch compares studying language online to growing bacteria（细菌）in a Petri dish, where trends emerge and disappear quickly, allowing language experts to observe changes that would otherwise take a considerable amount of time．The influence of strong ties like friends or family vs weaker ties on language change is analyzed, with computer simulations（模拟）revealing that having both strong and weaker ties helps spread updates in a community．
The role of social media platforms in language change is also discussed．Twitter, with its mix of strong and weak ties, is shown to drive more language change than Facebook, which is controlled by stronger ties．Emoji is highlighted as a universal digital expression of gestures, not a language．Additionally, there is evidence that the use of internet "innovations" such as "omg" dates back to pre-computer eras．
McCulloch's book focuses on the birth of a new medium rather than a new language．The rise of mass writing on the internet, characterized by frequent, error-filled, and short-lived communication, challenges traditional ideas about writing's importance．McCulloch suggests future historians should see this as a return to more casual（随意的）language, paying more attention to the value of tools that improve social interaction online．The book argues against the idea that these changes might lead to the end of "real" writing, advocating for an appreciation of anything that enhances human connect ion and the enjoyment of each other's company．
