Kainécritism #2 | Typing Quirks

In this blog I would like to discuss a little more about Typing Quirks and how they are a Communication Barrier.

Typing Quirks are deliberate alterations to writing, such as replacing letters with numbers, avoiding capitalization etcetc.

It was rooted in internet subcultures like fandoms, Tumblr, early chatrooms and is also easy to find in platforms like TikTok, Discord …

Typing Quirks are used for self-expression, aesthetic or standing out. 

Example: „h0w 4r3 y0u?“ (how are you?)

While typing quirks may feel expressive, it comes at the cost of accessibility & inclusion.

I. Readability

 Typing Quirks make messages harder to read and to understand, especially for quick reading

It can slow down conversations, especially in comment threads or chats

II. Inaccessible

People who use Screenreader struggle to parse stylized text. It can break pronounciation or can even be skipped.

An example: for „1 h0p3 y0u‘re 0k“ (I hope you‘re ok) the screen reader might say something like „One h zero p three y zero u zero k“

People who with dyslexia, ADHD or cognitive disabilities may find it difficult or even impossible to read.

Alienates neurodivergent people- even if it‘s unintentionally.

Not to mention if people refuse to give translations, it can be very ableist.

III. Exclusionary

Typing Quirks are often a part of of in-group culture, if newcomers or non-native speakers suddenly see the typing quirks, they may are confused and also may feel excluded or unwelcome.

It can feel like „if you do not know the code, you don‘t belong with us“

IV. Miscommunication 

With typing quirks the tone is harder to interpret. Is it now satire? Serious? Are they angry? Or is it just humour? Typing Quirks can also undercut serious discussions 

V. Fatigue Over Time

It can be mentally exhausting to keep reading stylized writing, if overused can also lead to burn outs.

First: If you do use Typing Quirks. Always make sure to have an Accessibility Text. So you do not exclude people who genuinely cannot read Typing Quirks. 

Example for a Blog:

**Title (the best is to not use Typing Quirks here either**

„Accessibility Text below“ / or just put ‚the translation in the start

And then speak in your Typing Quirks

„Translation Text“.

If you are refusing to give out a translation, i will immediately accuse you of ableism.

If you do not want to use Typing Quirks anymore

Stylize how you speak, not how you spell

Add emojis intentionally 

Or use rhythm creatively

There are so many alternatives.

Typing quirks might feel fun, but when communication stops being accessible, it also stops being affective