Reasons why teens use cryptic messaging (part 2)
Year 5 to 12 parents and teachers
Teenagers are known for their inventive ways of communication, particularly online, where they often employ cryptic language and slang. Here are some key reasons why teenagers use cryptic language online:
Privacy and Exclusivity: One of the primary reasons teenagers use cryptic language is to create a private communication channel that only they and their peers understand. This exclusivity helps them maintain a sense of privacy, even when conversations are happening in potentially public or monitored spaces like social media.
Identity and Belonging: For many teens, using cryptic language is a way to express their identity and align themselves with their peer group. It acts as a social badge of honor that signifies belonging to a particular group that understands and uses the same slang.
Creative Expression: Teenagers often use cryptic language as a form of creative expression. Crafting new words or phrases allows them to play with language and convey complex feelings or situations in a nuanced way that resonates more with their peers.
Avoiding Adult Detection: Teens may use cryptic language to communicate about topics they perceive as sensitive, controversial, or forbidden, especially when they fear adult judgment or interference. This language acts as a coded message that many adults won’t understand.
Navigating Social Hierarchies: In the teenage social world, where trends can dictate social standing, being knowledgeable about the latest slang can enhance a teen's status within their peer group. Using this language proficiently can signal coolness, insider knowledge, and social savvy.
Humor and Play: Much of the cryptic language used by teens is infused with humor. It provides a playful way to engage with friends, share inside jokes, and add lightness to communication.
Speed and Convenience: Some cryptic terms and acronyms evolve simply because they are quicker to type. In the fast-paced environment of online chat and social media, using abbreviations and slang speeds up communication.
Understanding these reasons can help parents and educators recognize the value and functionality of this cryptic language in teens’ social lives, even when it seems like they’re just speaking in riddles.
Casper Pieters PhD Dip Ed is an author and educator who uses adventure narratives to enliven the IT curriculum for young people. www.casperpieters.com
