The world is moving faster and faster. The Internet [content in the 21st Century] has changed our civilization and has become more powerful than anything we've ever known. Words, behaviors, and trends hit the street and then get exposed to the masses in a matter of hours. Phenomena known as 'Tipping Points' in Malcom Gladwell's book. Here's a fun look at some words that have made their way into our everyday vocabulary that didn't exist not that long ago.
1. Selfie
Ah, the unanimous favoritye phrase for anyone taking a picture of themselves. Smartphones and the ability to share with friends easily make this a pasttime that will most likely be around for a while. The term was claimed to be coined by an Australian [story here] celebrating his 21st birthday in November of 2013. Let the Selfie battles begin.
[The infamous selfie from Ellen DeGeneres at the 2014 Oscars]
2. iPhone
Along with iWatch and iPad and all the other Apple products released over the years. The most ubiquitous term that changed mobile (and our lives) forever was Apple's iPhone. Launched on June 8th, 2007. Only 8 years ago! Oh how the world has changed.
[The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6+]
![Your #biz #Like #Content? We're Here To #Listen. [*hint* click here]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/536683/0567efa4-45b9-4432-bc00-d4f27d01d5d4.png)
3. #Hashtag
The symbol heard round the world in a Tweet. The symbol that tags a Tweet or Facebook post or Instagram photo for better searching. Quite useful actually. As in #Ican'tbelieveit happened. Credited with starting back on Aug. 23, 2007 with a tweet by San Francisco techie and former Google developer Chris Messina.
4. Unfriend
The term referencing the act of removing a connection or 'friend' on Facebook. Webster Dictionary's word of the year in 2009 citing that the word has both 'currency and potential longevity'. I'll say. When a person annoys you online the common word is used to disassociate with them. Now almost every social media platform has this option to 'unfriend' connections. It's capitalism at it's finest. Don't unfriend me bro.
5. Binge-Watch
Though this practice started in the 80's when networks would program consecutive shows to boost ratings, the term is relatively new to mainstream culture. With the launch of Netflix, Hulu, and other video streaming services. The idea of watching entire seasons of popular tv shows in a single day or weekend became easier to accomplish. Quickly the phenomena of binge-watching became mainstream and the act was coined, cementing itself in history and on our couch. What's nextflix?
As the world moves faster so does our verbiage and communication style. The running joke that kids don't even use complete sentences but instead verse in short acronyms and insider digital speak, is this what the future looks like for communication?
What words and phrases do you use or see on a regular basis that would have befuddled pre-internet times?
Leave your favs in the comments below and share with your friends to see what they come up with. Totes Awesome.
