Writing in 2017
Writing is something that’s quite amazing when you stop to think about it. The ability to transmit ideas nonverbally and infinitely though varying combinations of 26 different characters or additional symbols is pretty mind boggling when you consider it. But when it comes to answer the question of what exactly is considered writing, things can get a bit tricky. The literal definition of writing is “the activity or skill of marking coherent words on paper and composing text” and “written work, especially with regard to its style or quality” but these can have a broader meaning in regards to the context you put it in.
The first obvious context we can apply is the literal act of writing using the previously mentioned characters to form meaning through words. This is done in many formats, in many styles, and for many reasons. People can use traditional pen and paper or a computer or phone screen, writing in formal styles of business or in casual conversation to friends, and for reasons of professional and non-professional use. We are writing more now than ever before in today’s digital age, just with less traditional methods. But when open up your mind a bit, you begin to see how much writing there really is in the world today.
The next biggest context of writing comes from communication, particularly when using technology. People use gadgets like phones or computers to communicate through things like text messaging, email, and social media. In fact, most people communicate through text now more than verbal means when it comes to contacting through distance. People have even developed shorthand language to make the process quicker and created emojis to give a clearer sense of tone to your words. Social media is also where a great deal of communication comes from. People can contact long lost friends, give their two cents on current events, like and share content, and interact with strangers for better or worse. And all of this is done through writing.
The last major context is a bit more abstract, and follows along with the idea of communicating through writing, but through other means besides the written word. It basically comes down to finding meaning that you would find through writing in other mediums, like art or music. These things still convey meaning like writing, but can say a lot without actually even saying anything at all. As the old saying goes: a picture is worth a thousand words.
So, coming full circle, what do I think the definition of writing means? Personally, I feel that it comes down to sharing information and ideas, in any form. You can do this through traditional means, or get more creative and find new ways to spread your message. But whatever the method, writing is something truly special, and an integral part of human culture. We ae beings that thrive on interaction, and writing gives us the ability to not just interact with everyone around you now, but to interact with people through the ages. By sharing your ideas through writing, it can make you, in a sense, immortal.
