"i LLyK tO knOw moR3 bOut u, PwfoH. crE 2 t3ll mE yur N@me? jejejejeje!"
JEJEMON is a pop culture phenomenon in our community. They have crawled their way from text messages to social networking sites and are defined as a "new breed of hipsters who have developed not only their own language and written text but also their own sub culture and fashion." They are also defined as those "who has managed to subvert the English language to the point of incomprehensibility and online lynch squads." [urban dictionary]
It is thought that its origins come from the practice of short handed typing to fit the 160 character limit of the short messaging service of cellular phones.
Young people, as innovative as they are, brought a whole new meaning to the SMS practice. Today, as social networking sites abound, so does the jejemon way.
It is hardly a surprise. More than half of those utilizing social networking sites like Facebook, Tumbler, Tagged and Driendster are young people. In a freer space of the cyberworld, the young are more able to express themselves, forge greater identity for themselves and well, network with fellow youth.
The jejemon phenomenon is clearly a counterculture where the values and norms of behavior of young people today run counter to the social mainstream. In many ways, the practice of replacing letters [z for s] and using jeje, which is similar to hehe, to indicate a naughty chuckle is but an indicator of the need for young people to develop their own identity, their own brand of being their own person.
They have found the space to confront teenage angst -- acceptance, sexuality, body issues. The same things that are considered taboo when discussed publicly. What better way to exchange notes and ideas without being warned by parents and adults, but to alter the language and make it understandable only to a few? The youth -- their common understanding of matters that are important to them -- are things that adults like us refuses to fathom.
Jejemon is inherently about creating a new culture. One which takes into account the young people and their voices; where they are more able to express themselves and confer with other young people on matters they consider as relevant in their growing up years.
In a macho and adult centric society, the jejemon phenomenon is but a way for young people to tell everyone that they too deserve the space and are able to create the space for freer expression. In many ways, it is their way of telling adults, "If you don't have time to listen to us, then we will make sure to get your attention."
Jejemon is an assertion of the youth's social identity. Adults could better handle the situation other than ridiculing the young.
The Department of Education (Deped) could better improve the state of education other than warning young people. For all intents, increase the allocation for education, invest in the young, listen and take their voices into account in community processes. Trust that they can do something and with proper guidance, they can be better.
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