THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AMONG TEENAGERS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Аннотация

In an increasingly interconnected digital world, social media platforms have become powerful agents of linguistic exposure and development, particularly for adolescent learners. This paper investigates the multifaceted influence of social media on the English language development of teenagers, synthesizing findings from recent empirical studies and theoretical frameworks. It highlights the positive contributions of platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter in enhancing exposure to authentic language use, facilitating vocabulary acquisition, and fostering communicative competence in informal contexts. At the same time, the paper critically examines the potential drawbacks associated with the proliferation of non-standard grammar, excessive use of slang, and the erosion of formal writing conventions. By drawing on interdisciplinary research in applied linguistics, digital communication, and educational technology, the study proposes pedagogical strategies for integrating social media into English language education in ways that maximize benefits while mitigating risks. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach to harnessing social media’s potential as both a linguistic and cultural learning tool.