ELLIPSIS IN DIGITAL COMMUNICATION, FRIEND OR ENEMY IN EMAILS AND MESSAGES

The ellipsis has become one of the most frequently used yet controversial punctuation marks in digital communication. This article examines the role of ellipsis in emails, instant messaging, and social media, addressing whether it functions as a friend that enhances expressiveness and conversational tone or as an enemy that creates ambiguity, misunderstanding, and negative impressions. Drawing on pragmatics, computer-mediated communication (CMC) research, and generational linguistics, the study analyzes how the ellipsis is used to signal hesitation, trailing thoughts, politeness, or passive aggression. Findings reveal significant generational and contextual differences: younger users often perceive frequent ellipses as passive-aggressive or unclear, while older users employ them as natural pauses or thought separators carried over from pre-digital writing habits. The article discusses the pragmatic functions of ellipsis, its impact on professional email communication, and the potential risks of misinterpretation in cross-generational and cross-cultural exchanges. It concludes with practical recommendations for effective digital writing in academic, professional, and personal contexts.