This Grandma tries hard to keep up with the fast moving Internet effect on our changing world. It is the 12th anniversary of Facebook, and I have to admit that I am a nonuser. I am on Twitter and Instagram, only because my son-in-law set up the former and my oldest grandson set up the latter. Yes, I am hooked on both. If I were on Facebook, I do not think that I would have any time left in a day.
Twitter and Instagram seem to have taken over, so I am in good stead, but probably do not “follow” those in the know. Wait until you read a future post on Snapchat. It is enough to make one’s head spin.
Just when I learned that the parents of our grandchildren want to now be modernly referred to by old fashioned “MaMa” and “PaPa” by their children, I learn that today’s preteens and teenagers have redefined “mom” and “dad” according to “That On the Internet, to be “Mom” Is To Be Queen,” the title of a New York Times article by Jessica Bennett, December 3, 2016. She explains what being called “Mom” or “Dad” by a preteen or teenager is now the sincerest form of flattery. However, not when referring to their parents but their best friends. . . .
. . . .and on social media, commenting on celebrities and internet “stars.” Yes, a comment referring to Kim Kardashian West seems to be one source of the new trend. Beyoncé’s called Mom” by her another celebrity was followed by fans on both Twitter and Instagram. According to Ms. Bennett, anyone can be a “mom,” when the term is used as a noun, and even a thing can be “mom,” when the term is used as an adjective. This Grandma somehow believes that those using the trend are not into grammar.
So, as explained by Ms. Bennett, so that we can keep up, if someone is a best friend, or just all around great, they will now be called “mom.” Should a grandchild call a grandmother “mom” is now a compliment, but might be confusing around the real “mom,” however, I forget that the real “mom” will probably now want to be called “mama.” The trends seem to be working together! If someone says that the jeans you are wearing are “mom,” apparently it means that they are the best. But then, it seems to be significant if you use all capital letters in writing. “MOM!” is the greatest compliment of them all.
Yes, you guessed it. “Dad” is used when referring to the greatest dad, used on line to refer to President Barack Obama. But, “Dad” has not gained the same popularity in on line culture and among those who follow on line culture as “Mom,” according to Ms. Bennett.
This Grandma need not go into the origins of the terms “mom” and “dad,” as the recent past post on the “mama’ and “papa” trend was the impetus of that research.
Remember that even if you have younger grandchildren, being in the know is cool with the parents of the grandchildren, as though they may or may not adopt the terminology, they use Twitter and Instagram. Next time the mother of your grandchild is wearing new jeans, just say, “those are the mom!” Wait for the inquiring look and just look smug. They think we grandmas do not keep up! Next time the mother of your preteen or teenage grandchild is wearing new jeans, in front of the grandchild, do the same. When it comes out of their mother’s mouth it is just embarrassing to a grandchild, but when it comes out of grandma’s mouth, it is just cool.
And, grandma being cool to a grandchild is almost as good as being loved with. . .
Joy,
Mema
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