The effects of computer-mediated communication (CMC) which include IMing and texting on the development of normative language are discussed. IM conversations serve largely pragmatic information-sharing and social communication functions rather than providing contexts for establishing or maintaining group identity. The most important effect of IM on language turns out be not stylized vocabulary or grammar but on the communication networks of the users. It is suggested that parents and teachers should provide good models to teenagers to help them master more formal written language style apart from the knowledge of CMC style.