Sometimes I see expressions or titles like ‘ women@google‘ or ‘working@tech’ online - what’s the difference between ‘@‘ and ‘at’ in terms of the writing style or the tone? Is it common to use @ in stead of ‘at’ on social media ? Maybe sounds more friendly?

Question

Sometimes I see expressions or titles like ‘ women@google‘ or ‘working@tech’ online - what’s the difference between ‘@‘ and ‘at’ in terms of the writing style or the tone?  Is it common to use @ in stead of ‘at’ on social media ? Maybe sounds more friendly?

Answer

@ is a symbol meaning "at". Before social media, it was used for accounting -- for example, I sold 5 cabbages @ $5 per cabbage. Nowadays, you should use the word "at" in written language, unless you're referring to social media handles, or there is some other reason to sprinkle your writing with symbols.

Answer

Hey, Cassie! It's common to use @ in social media, but I would say that it's used pretty informally. You should use "at" professionally. Some news articles might use it though for stylistic reasons.

Answer

It is definitely common. Not sure if "friendly" but for sure informal.