Aspects of Studying the Language of Virtual Communication

The article examines virtual communication from the point of view of its place among other types of communication. The aim of the article is to attempt to present the history of the formation of this type of communication with an analysis of the influence of various messengers and technical means of communication (pagers, push-button cell phones, communication programs for desktop computers and smartphones, social networks). This approach allows the author to clarify the very concept of “virtual communication” and determine the reasons for the formation of the features of this form of communication: the desire for brevity; the active use of emoji, stickers and memes; a specific language game, etc. The article also pays special attention to the connection of virtual communication with communication through pagers and SMS messages.