When was the last time you saw an email open with 'Dear' or finish with something like 'Yours Sincerely'? It seems younger people are denouncing the traditional ways of communicating, and are opting for less formal language.  

Is this a sign that the English language is becoming more relaxed? Does it matter if we let go of formalities? And what are the triggers for this kind of language evolution?  

Dr Stephen Lucek, Assistant Professor in Linguistics at UCD...