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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                          Dr. Md Salman Husain* 
https://ijojournals.com/index.php/ssh/index                              Volume 06 || Issue 11 || November, 2023 || 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

  

 
Abstract 

Social media plays an important role among the masses and students all over the world. In this study, an 

important objective is to explore the impact of social media on English language learners. The study 

examines the available social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTubeand Blogs. Teachers 

of languages stay connected with their colleagues around the world and update about their work through 

Social Media tools. The sudden advent of the internet and the rise of social networking have changed the 

way we communicate. Due to technology, a more systematic expansion of language learning has become 

possible. This has a significant impact on the motivation of students given the opportunity to explore 

technological advances. It is important that teachers stay abreast of technological developments and 

recognize the need to leverage and develop technology to engage learners and improve their English 

skills. Teachers are now adhering to innovative practices in the teaching and learning process, 

transforming their role into 'facilitators'. The teacher's role requires encouraging more group assignments 

and a stress-free learning environment. So far, social media has had a far-reaching impact on how people 

communicate in English. Due to the changing nature of communication on social networking platforms, 

we see many changes in the way people write and speak English. One of the biggest impacts of social 

media on spoken and written English is vocabulary acquisition. Another notable impact of social media is 

the introduction of new vocabulary to English communication. Social media plays a major role in learning 

English as it provides learners with opportunities to improve their writing and reading as well as reading 

new texts and phrases to improve their vocabulary.  

Keywords- Impact, Technology, Adhere, Innovative, Facilitators, Leverage 

Introduction 

Social media is "a group of Internet-based applications that build on the theoretical and technological 

foundations of Web 2.0 and allow the creation and exchange of User Generated Content. According to the 

definition, social media is frequently viewed as an all-encompassing phrase with numerous sub-genres. 

Kaplan and Haenlein define six distinct categories of social media, including blogs (e.g. Wordpress), 

social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, MySpace), virtual game worlds (e.g., World of Warcraft), virtual 

social worlds (e.g., Second Life), content communities (e.g., YouTube), and collaborative projects (e.g., 

Wikipedia).  

Social media have impacted the lives of educators and learners in recent years. It is because of the 

multiple ways they enable communication, including blogs, social networks (Facebook), microblogs 

(Twitter), wikis (Wikipedia), video podcasts, and photo-sharing apps (Instagram and Snapchat). 

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Social Media Impact in English Language Learning

Dr. Md Salman Husain
  Assistant Professor

Department of Management
Management Education and Research Institute

  New Delhi
E-mail: salman.husain@meri.edu.in



IJO- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH 

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                          Dr. Md Salman Husain* 
https://ijojournals.com/index.php/ssh/index                              Volume 06 || Issue 11 || November, 2023 || 

 

 

 

 

Applications like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and WhatsApp have significantly increased social 

engagement and information sharing in communities of both students and teachers. The human desire for 

exploration, limitless connection, and the free exchange of ideas and opinions with other users who share 

similar interests may be the driving force behind this expansion. Users of social media platforms can 

communicate, express themselves, and transcend national boundaries via these platforms (Thorne, 2010). 

It has been progressively influencing how people live their lives from a variety of perspectives, including 

communication, knowledge sharing, business, and education (Bhatti, 2018; Bhatti, Bano, & Rehman, 

2019). Researchers and academics from different fields are becoming more and more involved with the 

various web-based social networking sites and other connected stages (Bhatti, Shaheen, Akram, & 

Rehman, 2020). The impact of social media on second language learning and acquisition has been seen by 

language specialists and teachers in particular. According to recent research, social media websites 

projected better test scores for English proficiency than the group that received training on an eye-to-eye 

basis (Wamba, 2016). 

Information and communication technology (ICT) use for the teaching-learning process has increased 

over the past ten years, and this is also true of language acquisition. ICT has made it possible for those 

learning English as a second language to collaborate with native English speakers via online platforms 

like Facebook, Instagram, and video calling apps like Skype and WhatsApp, which are among the most 

widely used ICT tools. ICT is actually a subset of internet media and came into being as a result of 

innovation. Additionally, it functions like a collection of tools that let people connect with one 

another.Due to its development, most people and learners around the world use web-based media. College 

students typically use online media in a variety of situations during their daily lives. 

The integration of technology into the English classroom has completely changed the teaching and 

learning process. With new technology trends, teachers are using and integrating technology to help 

students learn languages more effectively. Traditional classroom teaching can be replaced with social 

media networking sites. It offers many creative and practical ideas for creating a learning environment for 

teachers and students.  

The Internet has been one of the most important influences on the English language in recent years, as it 

not only repurposes existing vocabulary, but also breathes life into a wealth of new words and phrases. 

Alongside various web-based technologies, social networks have dramatically dominated human life for 

nearly a decade.   

Social media is a rich platformfor experimenting and creating new words, it gives people the freedom to 

be innovative and creative, rebelling against traditional English conventions, unfettered by grammatical 

rules and syntax. Social networks are the most effective means of communication due to their user-

friendly and easily accessible features. Social media such as Facebook, Chatroom, Twitter, Skype, We 

Chat and other sites keep you up to date with friends and latest events around the world. The way we 

communicate has changed dramatically, and social media has spawned many new words.  

 

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IJO- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH 

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                          Dr. Md Salman Husain* 
https://ijojournals.com/index.php/ssh/index                              Volume 06 || Issue 11 || November, 2023 || 

 

 

 

 

Literature Review 

Various studies have examined the availability of social media and the new horizons it opens up, 

especially for young people (Lin et al., 2016). Of these media, Twitter is used for microblogging, 

Facebook and Linkedin are used for social networking, and Wikipedia focuses on the creation of 

collaborative knowledge, while YouTube and Flickr are used to share visual materials (Balakrishnan & 

Lay, 2016). According to Lin et al. (2016), social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube not 

only offer users the opportunity to generate information, but also to share it with others around the world. 

Web-based media have changed the way people share and interact with others. Paul et al. [31] 

recommended that online informal organizations could be seen as responsive to educational innovation if 

more academic staff understood how to link them to the curriculum.  

Allam and Elyas have shown that the majority of academic communities firmly supported the academic 

benefits and advantages of using internet media as a tool for learning English as a second language, but 

they also created rules that had to be followed in the classroom. 

According to a research by Jurkovic, Slovenian students prefer to use English-language resources online 

to improve their acceptant skills to effective abilities. Additionally, several other countries have also 

researched the use of online media in the teaching-learning of English as a foreign tongue. 

Sakkir et al. conducted research on how college and university students made decisions about using 

internet media to study English. According to the survey, the majority of the students had inspiring 

personalities and a desire to use online resources in their writing sessions. In any case, there are a few 

concerns that might prevent students from using online media, such as an excessive number of classes, a 

lack of preparation for using the internet, and inadequate facilities.. 

Independent learners can also benefit from social media, as they tend to rely on themselves to get 

information when they have access to it, such as Facebook and YouTube. According to Umrani-Khan and 

Iyer (2009; quoted from Balakrishnan and Lay, 2016), such learners tend to prefer independent study, 

independent work, or special projects based on their interests. Additionally, the utility and pervasiveness 

of social media gives you the power to make your own decisions about your study plans. Collaborating 

students are generally extroverts, so anonymity is not important to them. Facebook, Twitter, and 

YouTube can therefore facilitate collaboration and information sharing by providing a platform for 

discussion. Such websites can therefore be successfully used to enhance collaborative learning.  

Role of Social Media in Enhancing Language Skills 

Language learning today takes many forms, including email exchanges, chat lines, online projects, and 

webinars. People all over the world use social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Whats-app, blogs, 

web chat and Skype to communicate. Apart from this, many of them find these websites helpful in 

developing his/her LSRW skills. You can also offer specific homework assignments on social media. For 

example, you can ask students to write replies to related online posts. You can also actively use 

messaging apps like WhatsApp and set up social media forums on platforms like Facebook to help 

students practice their language skills online.  

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IJO- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH 

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                          Dr. Md Salman Husain* 
https://ijojournals.com/index.php/ssh/index                              Volume 06 || Issue 11 || November, 2023 || 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Facebook 

 

Facebook is a highly interactive virtual social communication tool 

that is growing in popularity on campus. Studies show that 

Facebook can be an effective platform for informal learning. 

Facebook is a well-known social networking site launched in the 

United States in February 2004, and in recent years has become 

very popular all over the world. Many students use Facebook, a 

social networking service, in their daily lives. Moderators can use 

it to share course resources, conduct discussions, foster 

collaboration, improve student relationships, and integrate various 

learning tools such as videos, pictures, discussion boards, chat, 

and private messages. According to Facebook Newsroom, it has more than 829 million daily users, which 

makes it possible to stay in touch with people otherwise unreachable, and connects users to more and 

more people. We are now able to connect more closely. We share common interests and backgrounds, 

building a social network far beyond anything we could have imagined. So the impact these social media 

sites and platforms have on our language is a real phenomenon. It transformed our vocabulary, increased 

the number and speed of our daily communications, and gave us a new sense of responsibility to stay 

connected to the world at large.  

 

Twitter  

 

Twitter is one of the most popular micro blogging applications 

that allow users to share ideas and information through short 

texts. Twitter is used not only for general communication, but 

also for various occupations. Twitter can be used in classrooms 

between students and teachers, students and students, and teachers 

and teachers. It can be used between participants in a class, 

institution, or geographic area. It is considered one of the best 

educational and learning activities. The use of Twitter has 

expanded the practice of discussion beyond the classroom. 

Twitter has a limit of 140 characters. Students learn to write and 

read in short sentences. This will help for practicing writing and 

reading skills on a regular basis. Using Twitter every day keeps 

students learning new words and trends. Twitter also serves as a backdoor discussion tool. Some students 

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IJO- INTERNATIONAL JOURNA

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                    

https://ijojournals.com/index.php/ssh/index

 

 

 

 

tend to be introverted and shy in class, but are outspoken online. Moreover, due to time constraints, not 

all students are given the opportunity to present their ideas in the classroom. In this situation, Twitter is 

the best way to deal with this issue. 

 

Twitter can be used to improve your listening, speaki

 

 

Listening

•This ability can
many tweeted
can listen to specific
from teachers

Speaking

•Speaking skills
assigned to
students from
helpful for students
language

Reading

•Students can
Twitter. The theory
have different
students are better
at verbal explanations

Writing

•Writing can also be developed through Twitter. For this, reading and writing 
can be integrated. As the students are asked to read written texts and write a 
similar sort of text and post it.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES RESEA

                                                                                                          Dr. Md Salman Husain
https://ijojournals.com/index.php/ssh/index                              Volume 06 || Issue 11 || November

tend to be introverted and shy in class, but are outspoken online. Moreover, due to time constraints, not 

all students are given the opportunity to present their ideas in the classroom. In this situation, Twitter is 

to deal with this issue.  

Twitter can be used to improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. 

can also be incorporated into writing and speaking
tweeted videos or audio texts available for this activity

specific texts and write summaries. You can then
teachers and other students.

skills can be improved through Twitter. Many activities
students. Students can also interact with English

from other countries using Live Tweets during class. This
students with support needs and helps them improve

can develop reading habits and practice their reading
theory of multiple intelligences suggests that different

different intelligences and unique learning abilities. For example,
better at learning through illustrations, while others

explanations.

Writing can also be developed through Twitter. For this, reading and writing 
can be integrated. As the students are asked to read written texts and write a 
similar sort of text and post it.

AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH 

Dr. Md Salman Husain* 
November, 2023 || 

tend to be introverted and shy in class, but are outspoken online. Moreover, due to time constraints, not 

all students are given the opportunity to present their ideas in the classroom. In this situation, Twitter is 

speaking. There are
and students
get feedback

activities can be
English-speaking
This is especially

improve their

reading skills on
different learners

example, some
others are better

Writing can also be developed through Twitter. For this, reading and writing 
can be integrated. As the students are asked to read written texts and write a 

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IJO- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH 

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                          Dr. Md Salman Husain* 
https://ijojournals.com/index.php/ssh/index                              Volume 06 || Issue 11 || November, 2023 || 

 

 

 

 

YouTube 

 

It is one of the most popular websites and a rich resource for 

educational content. A teacher can create his/her YouTube 

account and ask each student to record a video blog about his/her 

hobbies, thoughts and opinions on new stories. A good video can 

enhance the lesson even more. A visual and fun way to convey 

the topic you are teaching breaks the monotony of the lecture 

brings fun to the lesson and keeps students more focused on the 

topic. To display videos in your classroom, simply search the site 

to see what videos are already published on the topic you are 

teaching. Some students learn better by watching than by reading, so providing videos instead of reading 

homework can be very valuable for some students. Simply create a playlist as a complement or alternative 

to other assigned assignments and send the link for students to view. You can record lectures and save 

them for later viewing. YouTube could be the place where we store and share all the lectures we record.  

Blog 

 

The word "blog" is a shortened version of "weblog" and is a 

platform for discussion, exchange, expression of ideas and 

thoughts on various topics, promotion and expansion of 

business, etc. The demand for blogs is increasing. It is the 

most important communication medium and a potential tool 

for developing creativity. Blogs are effective in facilitating 

language learning by expressing and discussing ideas. 

Blogging also gives learners the satisfaction of uploading 

their own posts and receiving comments and feedback from 

peers and teachers. Blogs allow learners to express their thoughts and feelings at their own pace and time, 

and also aid in content creation. Content is the only element that grabs the reader's attention. Blogs can 

effectively facilitate language teaching and learning, especially considering the complexity of the 

language, grammatical correctness, and language proficiency of the learner. Blogs also help with clear 

and concise writing, editing, and proofreading. It also gives insight into the nuances of writing. Blogging 

not only allows us to share our feelings and opinions, but it also opens up avenues for diverse learning. 

For example, if a learner wants to blog about a topic close to their heart, from sports to lifestyle, they will 

look up and try to use the correct vocabulary. When learners are encouraged to write for a specific 

purpose, they find themselves speaking the language fluently and are seen as a potential tool for 

developing language skills. Blogs can also be designed to provide lesson notes, study guidelines, learning 

materials, and interactive exercises. It also enables forum discussions not only between students but also 

between students and teachers. Blogs can also be used as a tool to enable students to write engaging and 

inspiring writing on any topic.  

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IJO- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH 

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                          Dr. Md Salman Husain* 
https://ijojournals.com/index.php/ssh/index                              Volume 06 || Issue 11 || November, 2023 || 

 

 

 

 

Social Media as Language Skills Development Tools 

In response to the prevalence of social media, researchers in language teaching and learning are studying 

how social media facilitates language teaching in relation to different language skills. In particular, it is 

worth noting that many studies have explored the potential assistive functions of social media in various 

aspects of writing and reading. In the field of writing, previous research on the development of writing 

skills with social media use has empirically focused on writing fluency, writing quality, and writing self-

efficacy. Studies investigating how social media affects language proficiency in language learners are still 

lacking, but there is a growing body of research using different learning methods. In particular, most of 

them explore the educational benefits of social media as a forum for output. Similarly, listening for 

listening skill development is considered difficult to learn, especially in the EFL context. Several studies 

have therefore attempted to examine whether social media can help promote listening motivation and 

develop listening skills.  

Social Media as Intercultural Communication Platforms 

To understand language acquisition, Hymes proposes the concept of communicative competence, arguing 

that alongside the rules of language, it is equally important to understand the rules of proper use of 

language. In other words, language learners need to know when, to whom, and how to say what. In order 

to improve learners' communication skills, it is essential to develop social language skills and select 

appropriate language formats according to the situation. In fact, from an ethnographic perspective, each 

language community has its own culturally and historically constructed rules of speech. Proper use of the 

language requires learners to be familiar with the social norms of the target language. Because social 

media is so important, several studies have investigated the role of social media in facilitating the social 

pragmatic development of language learners from different perspectives.  

Conclusion 
 

This study represents an attempt to summarize the potential impact of social media on language learning 

based on two main perspectives: Social media as a platform for developing language skills and social 

media as a platform for cross-cultural communication. The empirical studies discussed above suggest that 

social media effectively and efficiently facilitates the language learning process. The study argues that 

technology is neutral in nature. To take full advantage of social media, both educators and learners need 

to be aware of how they behave and use technology on social media. The increasing advances in 

information technology during this period have a profound impact on all aspects of life. Due to immense 

growth of social media, learning is now accessible to everyone. Social media plays a key role in 

motivating learners to explore technological advances and turn them into exploring new avenues. So 

social media has definitely changed the way we speak and write English.  

Reference   

[1] Kaplan,A.M.,&Haenlein,M.(2010).Usersoftheworld, unite! the challenges and opportunities 
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[2] Thorne, S. L. (2010). The intercultural turn and language learning in the crucible of new media. 

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IJO- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH 

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                          Dr. Md Salman Husain* 
https://ijojournals.com/index.php/ssh/index                              Volume 06 || Issue 11 || November, 2023 || 

 

 

 

 

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