Memeglish 1.1

Created by Pulkit Mahajan and Ethan Reid, this work traces the evolution of digital communication from the era of the Gutenberg press, which introduced the emoticon—"Thou hast put a semicolon with a parenthesis." The advent of mobile texting significantly increased the use of abbreviations such as "I am ROFL," complemented by emojis to enhance expression. For example, users now incorporate symbols like the eggplant emoji in their messages.

However, questions remain regarding how these developments serve more nuanced communication needs, particularly for those who rely on sarcasm or subtle cues. Despite the proliferation of digital shorthand, hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide remain without a voice in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Today marks a substantial step forward in our capacity to call someone out, diminish the importance of serious conversations, or potentially confuse older generations. While technological advancements expand expressive capabilities, they also raise important considerations about clarity and accessibility in digital dialogue.