The term chronically online is used in internet culture to describe people who spend a significant amount of time in the online environment and are deeply immersed in its language, humor, and context. It does not refer to an illness or addiction in the literal sense, but is an ironic way of describing a state in which the internet is a natural space for communication, orientation in the world, and identity formation. For the "chronically online" audience, memes, slang, and social media references are not marginal, but a normal part of everyday thinking.
Canva responds to this cultural framework by introducing a new language setting for its interface called English (chronically online). This is not a change in functionality, but a change in the tone of communication. The interface begins to speak a language that is familiar to people who have been living in the online space for a long time.
How "chronically online" language works in practice
The change is evident in small texts across the interface—in descriptions, help messages, and system messages. Instead of neutral instructions, phrases commonly used in internet communication appear, such as "pass the vibe check" or "serve but don't be extra." These expressions replace traditional formulations and bring language typical of social networks and online communities into the work environment.
This is not random humor or a one-off experiment. The linguistic stylization is consistent and applies across the entire interface. For users who have been in contact with this type of communication for a long time, the environment seems natural and understandable. For others, the mode remains optional, confirming that Canva uses this language in a targeted manner, not across the board.
Generation Z and visual communication
Canva has long described Generation Z as a group that thinks visually and intuitively. For them, visual content is not a supplement to text, but a full-fledged means of expression. Working with graphics, templates, and images is a common part of both study and work life.
This is linked to the expectation that the digital environment will be linguistically understandable and culturally familiar. A formal and distant tone can act as a barrier, while language based on everyday online experience promotes fluidity of work and a sense of naturalness.
When interface language becomes part of the brand
By introducing a "chronically online" mode, Canva is testing the limits of linguistic stylization in the work environment. It shows that professional software does not necessarily have to use a uniform, neutral language if the target group communicates differently. At the same time, the option to choose remains, allowing different types of users to be addressed without forced unification.
If the language of the interface becomes a distinctive element of the platform's identity, the importance of consistent work with visual materials and brand elements grows. In this context, it makes sense to link Canva with Brandcloud, which allows you to work with approved materials and visual identity directly in the Canva environment, even though the interface itself communicates in a more relaxed tone.
What this approach suggests
The "chronically online" mode shows that the language of digital interfaces is becoming a conscious part of the user experience. Canva is responding to the fact that Generation Z perceives the online environment as a space where work, communication, and culture intersect. For some users, it is a more natural way of interacting, for others, it is an optional alternative.
It is this flexibility that suggests that the future of digital platforms will not be based on a single universal style, but on the ability to adapt to different modes of communication and user expectations
