THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON LANGUAGE LEARNING
Keywords:
Social media, language learning, digital education, language acquisition, online communication, English language teaching, social networking platforms, vocabulary development, communication skills, autonomous learning, digital literacy, interactive learning, educational technology, language proficiency, online learning, authentic materials, learner motivation, technology-enhanced learning.Abstract
This article examines the impact of social media on language learning and its role in developing learners’ linguistic competencies in the digital age. Social media platforms provide language learners with opportunities to access authentic content, communicate with native speakers, and engage in interactive learning activities. The study explores the advantages of social media, including increased motivation, improved vocabulary acquisition, enhanced communication skills, and greater exposure to real-life language use. At the same time, it discusses potential challenges such as distraction, misinformation, and excessive dependence on informal language. The findings indicate that when used effectively, social media can serve as a valuable supplementary tool for language education, fostering autonomous learning and improving overall language proficiency. The article also provides recommendations for integrating social media into language teaching and learning practices.
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