Social Media And Its Impact On The World Wide Web

As time changes so does everything else in the world, including words and their meanings. One particular term has strayed far away from its meaning and symbolizes something completely different now. The term gay has changed so much over time that few people now know its true meaning.

Humans have always found a way to demean people who are different. They do this by making up words that directly degrade a person by their differences. The word Queer is an example of a word that has actually changed from a homophobic slur to, in some eyes, a non-offensive title. While most people would still say that they don't feel comfortable hearing the word queer, more people have become immune to it because of television. The Editors of Society state that "Now queer is sneaking into the mainstream- and taking on a hipster edge". Back in the 1920's using the word queer was not taken lightly. In today's society with television shows using queer in the title of their show, for example, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, the word has a different impact than it used to.

Martha Irvine, a graduate of the University of Michigan published an article titled Queer Evolution which talked about how the word “Queer” itself has evolved into the mainstream. Originally the word’s definition was to describe something as odd or weird. Society utilized the word “Queer” as an insult to the LGBTQ community. As more sexual orientations are being discovered, “Queer” became a more accepted word in the gay community in order to make things simpler. Irvine’s essay showed that whatever word we use, can affect a person depending on the intention, and the tone of how it’s being said. Irvine’s essay is very similar to Deborah Tannen’s essay You’re Wearing That which talks about the relationship between mother and daughter and how words have established expectations for women based on their appearance and behavior. Another essay that well connects with Tannen and Irvine’s articles is a section from a book written by Michael Kimmel titled Bros Before Hos’’: The Guy Code. Kimmel talks about “The Guy Code”, rules that a man should always follow in order to be considered a real man. Words are the reason why these standards have been established for all genders and sexualities. The relationships between parents and children would be better if words were replaced, which would abolish the expectations that society has for men and women.

Few people today know the true meaning of the word gay. Even fewer use it in its original context. To be gay was once a common and positive expression. When describing one’s mood, it meant that they were feeling lively and carefree. Gay could even be used to describe something that was “brightly colored” or “showy” (Merriam Webster, “Gay”). No one thought twice about it when people said they were “feeling gay” or “the sunset was gay.” However, this word is rarely used in that context in today’s society. Instead, it has taken on a completely different meaning and connotation. While gay had become something of a euphemism for prostitutes and their clients throughout the 19th century, it was ever changing. This change was gradual and began in the 1920s and 1930s. By this time, a “gay man” was no longer just a man that was promiscuous with women, but also one who was

On September 3, 2010, an episode of a show called Community was aired. During the episode one character, Jeff Winger, said, “The most important tool is respect,” and Senor Chang responded “Ha, gay!” After the episode aired, this clip blew up all over social media. The producers of the show probably didn’t consider the scene to be harmful, but it gave people the justification to use gay in a teasing manner. The word gay in this context means dumb or stupid, which implies that homosexually is “stupid,” and there lies the wrongness of the new meaning.

The popular appearance of the word “queer” supports Irvine’s argument by showing how individuals are showing leniency towards it.

The word gay first appeared during the 12th century (Contributors). The English word gay comes from the Middle English gai, meaning lighthearted, brightly colored, which comes from Old French, possibly of Germanic origin. More specifically, from Old French gai, "joyful, laughing, merry", probably a borrowing of Old Provençal gai, "impetuous, lively". The

When American citizens hear the word “gay,” what is the first connection that pops into their mind? Does it mean happiness, love, or does it have a negative connotation? Throughout the years, the world epidemic on gay marriage has always been a controversy in the press. In the 1600s, if a gay man or woman practiced sodomy, they were put to death (ProQuest Staff “LGBT”). From the 1600s to the current day, gay rights are still a critical political debate in today’s society that needs a solution. For one to understand at this problem, he or she needs to analyze the causes and effect of this solution.

Do you see the problem with the usage of the word gay here? Gay used to mean bright and happy but now it has become an insult. The term today literally refers to a male homosexual person. After many years the word gay has changed its meaning and its meaning continues to constantly change today. When gay first came to be a word it meant bright or showy, like a rainbow. The word presently and popularly is used to as an insult but the word's actual meaning refers to a homosexual male. Presently, people use gay in two different meanings, some use it literally and some use it as profanity or insult. Unfortunately, as a society by using a term in this way it shows that as a society we aren't as acceptable, judgmental, homophobic people.

The meaning of the word “gay” has drastically changed over the course of several years. The word transitioned from an emotional description to a label, but can also be used in an insulting way. Primarily, gay meant “happy” or “merry”. Calling someone gay in the 1500s was not in a derogatory way or related to sexual orientation, like it is now. Although gay was originally used to describe someone who was happy, the word's connotation changed to someone with loose morals. “Gay”'s definton changed to describe someone who is homosexual. Reformed by adolescents, "gay"'s meaning changed into a word that is commonly used as a savage affront. In present times, a person could insult someone by using the newer definition; e.g., “You’re so gay!” “Gay”

I was walking to my house from the bus stop one day with my neighbor, Michael, and I was joking about how I have a girl crush on Selena Gomez. I asked Michael, "Hey, what male celebrity do you have a man crush on?" He responded ferociously with, "None. I 'm not a freaking queer." This is the exact type of mindset that transforms innocent words into ones dripping with negativity and spite. Language is one of the most powerful tools a person could have, and the way they utilize it reveals their character. As time progresses, words and their meanings can change. For my great-aunt 's generation, the word 'queer ' just simply meant 'weird ' or 'strange. ' However, as gay activism has become much more prominent in society, the word queer is now mainly used to describe someone 's sexual orientation. Queer is not a derogatory term unless used as such, and it is instead a term of equality and acceptance that should reverberate positive feelings. Sadly, this is not the only way people translate it, instead morphing it into a shameful word and a cutting insult.

Our world changes day by day. Humans grow, evolve, and adjust to the modern world. As our world advances, our language and terminology progresses along with it. A word that has changed completely in definition is “gay”, it has two completely different meanings. Today “gay” means, “of, relating to, or exhibiting sexual desire or behavior directed toward a person or persons of one's own sex; homosexual” (The Definition of Gay). and in the 12th century “gay” meant “happy or carefree” (How Gay) How did the definition of this word change so greatly over the years?

While many people put off and ignore the issue of social media and its downfalls, others say that people should think about how our lives are being affected by this advancement in technology, including, lack of human contact and precious time being lost due to consumption with social media. Social media is currently a highly controversial topic in which numerous people have mixed feelings. Society has typically viewed new advancements in technology as beneficial and a sign of success within their country. But, has it solely caused successful outcomes, or are there downfalls to these advancements?

The term ‘social media’ has become a broad-term to describe a large number of online systems that serve as a platform for the generation, and distribution of user-generated content. Social media creates a virtual social space, where a large number of users come together and interact with one another. These interactions can be either structured, such as responses that are moderated on blogs, semi-structured, such as a discussion between an extended network on Facebook, or unstructured, such as the anarchial functioning of Twitter.

1. Gay Lingo resulted from the sheltered emotions of homosexuals here in the Philippines. Their desire to protect themselves against the discriminating faces of society brought about the colorful language that it is today.