There is little point in teachers and writers arguing for the good old days of copper plate writing and the perceived decay of the English language through on-line modes. We have little choice but to embrace change, Facebook reality and consider the role of new media, so as to avoid being caught in a widening digital awareness gap. Language materials development then needs to align with digital literacy and related skills which are arguably developing more rapidly than the rate of print information. This paper emphasizes the varied literacies which can inform educational choices. Understanding the changed roles of formal and informal language in digital literacy and varied text types can inform learners' choices, classroom practice and materials development.