The Comeback of the Written Word

Gideon Spanier's article "The comeback of the written word" presents a compelling case for the resurgence of text-based communication in the digital age. He argues that despite the prevalence of visual media, the written word remains a powerful and increasingly popular form of expression.

Highlight: Text-based communication on mobile devices is now more popular than making phone calls or talking face-to-face.

Spanier supports his argument with data from Ofcom's Communications Market report, showing that the average Briton frequently uses text-based communication while voice call usage is declining. This shift in communication habits underscores the growing importance of written expression in the digital era.

The author specifically addresses readers who care about reading and journalism, emphasizing that the power of text is not diminishing but rather increasing. He contrasts text-based communication with video watching and game playing, illustrating that texting remains equally popular.

Example: The overall amount of time Britons spent making voice calls on both mobile and landlines fell by 1% last year, while text-based communication increased.

Spanier highlights the advantages of digital technology in enhancing text-based communication. He argues that the written word is crucial for developing digitalism and criticizes the overreliance on images, suggesting that words have a more profound impact.

Quote: "The achievement is much lower than using words."

The article attributes the rise in text-based communication to the invention of mobile devices. Spanier uses findings from the Ofcom report to demonstrate how these devices have changed media consumption habits, particularly among teenagers.

Highlight: Teenagers often "flop down on the sofa in the living room, ignore the main TV set, and immerse themselves in their smartphones."

In conclusion, Spanier effectively convinces readers of the written word's comeback by presenting statistical evidence, addressing specific audience concerns, highlighting the advantages of text-based communication, and illustrating the impact of mobile devices on communication habits. His argument underscores the enduring importance of what is the meaning of the written word? in our increasingly digital world.