AI-Mediated Communication Systems and the Evolution of Gen Z Conversational English Grammar Practices in Digital Environments
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Abstract
As digital communication increasingly relies on Information and Communication Technology and AI-mediated platforms, the grammatical practices of Generation Z require examination beyond traditional linguistic frameworks. This study explores how Gen Z individuals perceive and adapt English grammatical norms within both conventional and AI-integrated digital environments. Utilizing an exploratory qualitative design, data were gathered through one-on-one interviews with 18 Gen Z participants and evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings reveal that digital natives treat grammar as a highly adaptable user interface tool. In formal ICT settings and AI interactions, standardized syntax is strategically deployed to project professional credibility and ensure precise data transmission. Conversely, informal algorithmic social networks demand the deliberate subversion of traditional grammar to accelerate communication pacing and foster an authentic digital aesthetic. Ultimately, this generational linguistic code-switching highlights a sophisticated digital literacy where users actively regulate information friction to meet platform-specific demands. These insights provide a critical foundation for IT professionals and developers engineering future AI-mediated communication systems. ..
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