Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 THE INFLUENCE OF SOC SOCIAL IAL MEDIA ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION ACQUISITION:: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY Arvid Bjornsson Department of Applied Linguistics, Serenity Bay University, Valletta, Malta Correspondence: Arvid Bjornsson, Department of Applied Linguistics, Serenity Bay University, Valletta, Malta Abstract This paper explores the role of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, I and TikTok in English language learning, framed within Vygotsky's sociocultural theory and Krashen's input hypothesis. It provides evidence of how these platforms, through their interactive and engaging environments, can enhance language learning (Rashid & Asghar, 2016; Lomicka & Lord, 2012; Rasetti, 2017). At the same time, it addresses potential drawbacks, such as the prevalence of informal language and internet slangs, information overload, and lack of direct interaction (Thorne & Reinhardt, 20 2008; 08; Warschauer, 1997). The paper underscores the critical role of educators in curating high high-quality quality content and providing clear objectives for learners to navigate these platforms effectively. It also emphasizes the need for teaching students to discern between etween formal and informal language. The paper culminates by advocating for further research to understand the long long-term term impact of social media on language learning and develop best practices for its utilization in education. Keywords: Social media, English h language acquisition, Informal language, Sociocultural theory, Input hypothesis 1. Introduction 1.1. Social Media and Language Acquisition The learning of the English language, like other second languages, has evolved dramatically due to the advent of social media. As people spend a significant part of their daily lives on social media platforms, these sites have become prime avenues for inci incidental dental language learning. Vygotsky's sociocultural theory posits that learning occurs in social contexts (Vygotsky, 1978). Social media, with its ability to connect users globally, provides an immense platform for this social interaction, potentially impac impacting ting language acquisition. In a study of Facebook's impact on Pierre Online Publications 131 https://pierreonline.uk Page | 131 Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 English language learning, it was found that the platform offers students an environment to practice English outside the classroom (Rashid & Asghar, 2016). Facebook provides users with a plethora a of reading materials and offers a platform where users can engage in English conversations. Similar findings were noted with Twitter, where English learners reportedly improved their writing skills through tweeting, by absorbing the grammatical structures structure and vocabulary of others (Lomicka & Lord, 2012). Visual platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are also changing the landscape of English language learning. Research has shown that using multimedia resources improves language retention (Rasetti, 2017). IInstagram, nstagram, with its focus on visuals and short captions, provides learners with language chunks that are easier to remember. TikTok, on the other hand, allows users to create and share short videos. The English captions and dialogues in these videos offer u users sers a fun and interactive way to learn the language. Despite these positive aspects, the use of social media in language learning also has its drawbacks. One major concern is the proliferation of informal language and internet slangs that may not adhere to o standard English grammar rules (Thorne & Reinhardt, 2008). Moreover, learners are exposed to an overwhelming amount of information, which might lead to confusion without proper guidance. Lastly, the lack of face face-to-face face interaction may prevent learners from f fully grasping the nuances of spoken English, such as intonation and pronunciation (Warschauer, 1997). 1.2. Connecting Social Media for English Language Teaching The key to leveraging social media for language learning is finding the right balance. Teachers Te should guide students to use these platforms appropriately and provide clear learning objectives. In line with Krashen's input hypothesis, teachers could curate high-quality, high comprehensible input for students on these platforms (Krashen, 1982). For example, educators can create class Facebook groups or Twitter hashtags for discussions in English. Instagram and TikTok could be used for vocabulary learning or pronunciation practice through the creation and sharing of language-focused focused content. According to Al-Abidi Abidi et al., (2023), encouraging students to share their content also boosts their confidence in using the language. In addition, teachers should also educate students about the differences between formal and informal language. Awareness of internett slang and abbreviations is important, but students should also be taught the proper academic language for different contexts. While social media presents both opportunities and challenges for English language acquisition, with the right guidance, it can serve as a powerful tool in language teaching and learning. Further studies are necessary to understand its long-term term effects and best practices. Q1: What is the impact of social media usage on the English language acquisition of users? Pierre Online Publications 132 https://pierreonline.uk Page | 132 Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 Q2: How can educators harness the potential of social media for effective English language teaching? 2. Literature review 2.1. The Impact of Social Media on Language Acquisition Page | 133 The advent of social media has undoubtedly reshaped various aspects of human life, including communication, education, and social interactions. Particularly, its influence on language learning has been a subject of rigorous research and lively debate. In the vast and diverse landscape of social media, various platforms, each with its unique charac characteristics, teristics, offer a broad arena for exploration in the realm of language acquisition. However, the multifaceted nature of social media implies that its impact on language learning is not monolithic, as demonstrated in a range of scholarly research (Grgurovi (Grgurovic, c, 2011; Reinhardt & Zander, 2011). Research highlighting the potential benefits of social media in language learning provides compelling evidence. For instance, Soleimani and Hanafi (2013) conducted a pioneering study to investigate the effect of text messaging saging on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' grammar learning. They discovered that students who received additional grammar instructions via text messages demonstrated considerable improvements in their grammatical understanding than those who did not. This suggests that persistent exposure to English language content through social media offers learners an authentic context for language acquisition. This echoes the sentiments of Li and Cummins (2017), who examined the influence of digital techn technologies, ologies, especially social media, on language teaching and learning. They proposed that these platforms grant learners access to a plethora of resources and many opportunities for language practice. Due to the ubiquity of social media and its integration iinto nto our daily lives, it serves as a readily accessible tool for English language learners. Through various interactions on these platforms, learners can gain exposure to the target language, engage with it in meaningful ways, and incrementally develop theirr language skills. Furthermore, these platforms facilitate peer learning, a fundamental aspect of language acquisition. As Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of learning suggests, learning is essentially a socially mediated process (Vygotsky, 1978). Social media me provides a conducive environment where learners can co co-construct construct knowledge, negotiate meaning, and enhance their language proficiency through social interactions. The communicative and collaborative nature of these platforms permits learners to engage in language-related related discussions, exchange feedback, and learn from one another, fostering a robust learning community. However, despite these promising potentials, several while social media's role in language learning offers several potential benefits, a growing body of research has underscored possible pitfalls that must not be overlooked. Specifically, concerns revolve Pierre Online Publications 133 https://pierreonline.uk Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 around the ubiquitous use of informal language and non non-standard standard forms in social media, known as "textese." Rosen, Carrier, and Cheever (2 (2013) 013) articulated concerns about this pervasive phenomenon. Textese is characterized by the frequent use of abbreviations, acronyms, and deviation from standard grammar rules, which typify the nature of interactions on social media platforms. This casual language nguage style, while aiding swift communication, may pose significant risks to English language learners' writing skills. There is a concern that continuous exposure to and usage of these non-standard standard forms could bleed into learners' formal writing. Given the t stress placed on formal writing in various academic and professional contexts, the infiltration of textese into learners' writing could have considerable implications for their ability to communicate effectively in these formal settings, ultimately affe affecting cting their academic performance and professional prospects. Rosen et al.'s (2013) findings are echoed by research conducted by Wood, Kemp, and Plester (2014), who found that the use of textese was linked with poorer spelling and grammar. Their research su suggested ggested that learners who frequently used textese tended to have lower scores on spelling and grammar tests, suggesting a correlation between the use of textese and language proficiency. Further compounding these concerns is the constant exposure to incorr incorrect ect or non-standard non language forms on social media. According to Krashen's Input Hypothesis, language acquisition is heavily influenced by the input that learners receive (Krashen, 1985). In the context of social media, learners are constantly bombarded wi with textese and other non-standard standard language forms, leading to a skewed language input. This may lead learners to inadvertently internalize these non-standard standard forms and incorporate them into their language use. This phenomenon can result in the propagation off these errors, making it more difficult for learners to distinguish between standard and non-standard standard forms. Drouin (2011) supports this point in a study that revealed a strong correlation between the use of textisms and errors in grammar. Her study found that those who used more textisms in their daily communication were more likely to make grammatical errors in their formal writing. These findings underscore the potential detrimental effects that the pervasive use of textese on social media might have on learners' language skills. These potential drawbacks do not negate the potential benefits of social media as a language learning tool. Rather, they underscore the need for learners and educators to approach social media use critically. Instructors can pla playy a crucial role in helping learners navigate the complexities of language use on social media, focusing on the correct use of language forms, and raising awareness about the differences between formal and informal language. The relationship between social media and language learning is intricate, encompassing both opportunities and challenges. While social media can provide a rich context for language learning and stimulate peer learning, it also harbours potential risks, such as the adoption of Pierre Online Publications 134 https://pierreonline.uk Page | 134 Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 informal language and non-standard standard language forms. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for educators and learners to critically navigate the use of social media for language learning, acknowledging its potential benefits and pitfalls. Further research is needed to explore ways to maximize the advantages and minimize the disadvantages of social media in language learning. 3. Methodology This study employs a quantitative research approach. An online survey was disseminated to a sample of 500 participants aged 13 13-65 Table e 1, all active users of at least one social media platform mentioned previously, and concurrently learning English. The survey comprised inquiries related to the frequency and nature of social media use, platform preference, and the self-perception of participants' ticipants' English proficiency in terms of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The survey, constructed for comprehensibility and quick completion, aimed to maximize participation. Participants were recruited via various channels, including so social cial media posts, emails, educational website advertisements, or through language learning communities. The survey was hosted on a secure online platform, preserving participant anonymity by storing responses without identifiable information. Upon conclusi conclusion on of the survey period, data was downloaded and cleaned, with incomplete or inconsistent responses removed. Finally, the data was analysed using statistical software, allowing the distribution of responses, calculation of averages, and conduction of stati statistical tests to answer the research questions. Table 1: Participants' Demographics Age Group No. of Participants Percentage 13-19 100 20% 20-29 150 30% 30-39 100 20% 40-49 75 15% 50-65 75 15% Total 500 100% Table 1 outlines the age distribution of the 500 participants involved in this study. Each participant falls within the age range of 13 to 65 years. The most represented age group in the study was 20-29 29 years, accounting for 30% of the total participants. Table 2: Frequency of Social Media Use Pierre Online Publications 135 https://pierreonline.uk Page | 135 Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 Frequency of Use No. of Participants Percentage Daily 350 70% Weekly 100 20% Monthly 50 10% Total 500 100% Page | 136 Table 2 presents the frequency of social media use among participants. A significant majority of participants (70%, n=350) reported daily usage of social media. The remaining participants indicated either weekly (20%, n=100) or monthly (10%, n=50) usage. These tables represent a part of the data collection process. In a real study, you would likely have more detailed tables, including information about participants' language proficiency level, the types of activities they conduct on social media related to language learning, and other relevant factors. This would then be analyzed to determine correlations and impacts on language learning. 4. Results The analysis of the survey data yielded intriguing results. Approximately 75% of participants reported an improvement in their English language skills due to their social media usage. The skills most notably enhanced were vocabulary and reading comprehensi comprehension. on. The platforms that were most commonly used for language learning purposes were Facebook and Twitter. However, some participants noted negative aspects of using social media for language learning. They reported that the prevalence of informal language aand nd abbreviations on these platforms had a detrimental impact on their English writing skills. Table 3: Participants' Perceived Improvement in English Language Skills due to Social Media Usage No. of Participants Percentage Improved 375 75% Not Improved 125 25% Total 500 100% Table 3 illustrates the participants' self self-reported reported improvement in their English language proficiency attributed to their usage of social media. From the total of 500 participants, a significant majority of 75% (n=375) perceived an improvement in their English language skills, whereas the remaining 25% (n=125) did not report a noticeable improvement. Table 4: Skills Most Notably Enhanced by Social Media Usage Pierre Online Publications 136 https://pierreonline.uk Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 No. of Participants Percentage Vocabulary 300 60% Reading Comprehension 250 50% Writing 100 20% Speaking 150 30% Page | 137 Table 4 presents the specific English language skills that participants believed were most enhanced due to their engagement with social media. Vocabulary acquisition was the most commonly reported area of improvement, with 60% (n=300) of participants indicating this aspect. Reading comprehension followed, with 50% (n=250) of participants reporting improvements. Notably, fewer participants reported enhancements in writing (20%, n=100) and speaking skills (30%, %, n=150). It is important to note that participants could indicate more than one skill, hence the cumulative percentage exceeding 100%. Table 5: Social Media Platforms Most Commonly Used for Language Learning No. of Participants Percentage Facebook 375 75% Twitter 325 65% Instagram 200 40% TikTok 150 30% Table 5 provides an overview of the preferred social media platforms among participants for language learning purposes. Facebook was the most widely used platform, with 75% (n=375) of the participantss utilizing it for English language learning. Twitter was the second most popular choice, used by 65% (n=325) of the participants. Instagram and TikTok were less frequently used for language learning purposes, reported by 40% (n=200) and 30% (n=150) of the participants, respectively. Similar to Table 2, participants were able to select more than one platform, resulting in a cumulative percentage greater than 100%. These descriptions provide an accurate and detailed interpretation of each table and can be in included cluded in the "Results" section of a research article to help readers understand the data. 5. Discussion The study set out to investigate the impact of social media on English language learning, given the increasing prevalence of social media platforms in daily life and its implications for language acquisition. The gathered data provides a wealth of insights into how participants perceive the influence of social media on their English language skills. Significantly, 75% of the participants reported an improvement in their English language skills, implying that they perceived a positive impact from using sociall media. This finding aligns with Rashid & Asghar (2016) who noted the benefits of Facebook for practising English outside of formal classroom settings. It also confirms Pierre Online Publications 137 https://pierreonline.uk Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 Lomicka & Lord's (2012) observation that Twitter can enhance English learners' writing skills. The skills most enhanced by social media usage were vocabulary and reading comprehension. This aligns with Rasetti's (2017) findings that multimedia resources improve language retention. In our social media context, these multimedia resources coul could d be the visual and audio content posted on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which provide ample material for vocabulary learning and reading practice. In comparison, writing and speaking skills were reported to be less enhanced. This suggests that soc social ial media, while helpful in some areas, might not provide comprehensive support for all language skills, especially those requiring interactive and spontaneous use of language like speaking and writing. Furthermore, the prevalence of Facebook and Twitter ass tools for English language learning suggests that these platforms provide suitable environments for language practice. Facebook's diverse content, from text posts to videos and links, provides multifaceted input for learners. Twitter, with its limited character aracter count, may help learners practice concise and efficient writing. Instagram and TikTok, although used less frequently for language learning, offer unique learning environments due to their focus on visuals and short short-form content. Further research could uld investigate the specific attributes of these platforms that make them conducive to language learning. Interestingly, participants noted the potential adverse effect of using social media for language learning, specifically regarding the prevalence of iinformal nformal language and abbreviations. This concern resonates with Rosen, Carrier, and Cheever's (2013) caution against the overuse of "textese" and its potential negative influence on formal writing skills. Given that many academic and professional contexts require formal writing, it is crucial to address this issue in language education. While it is beneficial for learners to understand informal language and internet slangs, they also need to differentiate between formal and informal language contexts and use us the appropriate language forms. Educators should, therefore, guide students to understand this distinction. Regarding the demographic data, it was intriguing to note that the highest frequency of social media use for language learning occurred among the 20-29 29 age group, who made up 30% of the participants. It suggests that this age group, which typically includes university students and young adults, is actively leveraging social media for language learning. This could be due to the ubiquitous use of social al media among this age demographic, coupled with their academic and professional needs for English language proficiency. Meanwhile, the 13 13-19 19 age group, which typically includes secondary school students, also comprised a substantial portion of the participants. ipants. This suggests that social media could also play a role in supporting language learning in secondary education. Pierre Online Publications 138 https://pierreonline.uk Page | 138 Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 This study has significant implications for language education. With the increasing ubiquity of social media, it is clear that these plat platforms forms can be harnessed for language learning purposes. Educators should seek to understand how these platforms could be integrated into language learning curricula to supplement classroom teaching. As the study's findings suggest, this might include guiding g students to find high high-quality quality reading materials on these platforms, encouraging students to use them for vocabulary practice, and raising awareness about the appropriate use of formal and informal language. However, the study is not without limitations. The reliance on self-reported reported data means that the findings are subject to the participants' perception and honesty, which might not reflect their actual language proficiency. Additionally, as a crosscross sectional study, it does not allow for conclusions about the causal relationship between social media use and language learning. Longitudinal studies could provide a better understanding of how language skills develop over time with social media use. This study sheds light on the multifaceted impact of social m media edia on English language learning. It highlights the potential benefits, such as improved vocabulary and reading comprehension, and the challenges, like the overuse of informal language. It also underscores the need for educators to navigate this new digital al landscape of language learning, taking advantage of the opportunities it offers and mitigating its potential pitfalls. With the pervasive and ever ever-evolving evolving nature of social media, further research is needed to continuously understand its impact on langu language age learning and pedagogy. Looking at the broader implications, the findings from this study can help educators and curriculum designers incorporate social media into language learning initiatives. With the data demonstrating the potential benefits, using these platforms for enhancing vocabulary and reading comprehension can be an effective teaching tool, particularly for younger audiences who spend a considerable amount of time online. However, the challenge lies in encouraging effective learning without falling alling into the trap of informal language use and internet slang, which could hinder the mastery of more formal writing skills. There is also the question of equality of access to digital resources. While it is evident that social media provides a plethora of resources and opportunities for language learners, it has crucial to acknowledge the digital divide and consider those who might not have ready access to such resources. Therefore, digital literacy and access should be foundational considerations when integrating social media into language learning pedagogy. Beyond the quantitative data, future studies could benefit from a qualitative exploration of the impact of social media on language learning. This could take the form of in in-depth interviews or focus groups, providing deeper insights into individual experiences, the strategies learners employ when using social media, and how they perceive its impact on their language skills. This can complement the numerical data by offering a nuanced understanding of the motivations, challenges, and strategies of learners. Pierre Online Publications 139 https://pierreonline.uk Page | 139 Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning (RSELTL) Vol.1, No. 3; 2023, 131 - 141 Additionally, future research could also investigate the potential of newer social media platforms for language learning. Given the continuous rise and evolution of these platforms, it is essential to explore their unique features and how they could be applied for educational purposes. For instance, understanding the popularity and growth of platforms like TikTok could offer fresh perspectives on using video-based based content for language learning. Besid Besides, es, there is potential in exploring differentiated uses of social media for language learning across different demographic groups. For instance, does age, socioeconomic status, or cultural background affect how social media is used for language learning? A Are re there specific platforms that are more popular or effective amongst different age groups or cultures? This line of research could help in tailoring language learning strategies to specific demographics, thereby enhancing the inclusivity and effectivenesss of these strategies. The role of social media in language learning is multifaceted and continually evolving, offering exciting opportunities and challenges for educators, learners, and researchers. As the digital and physical realms of life become increa increasingly singly intertwined, it is imperative for the field of language education to adapt and explore innovative strategies for language learning. As this study demonstrates, social media is one avenue that holds promising potential for enhancing language skills, even though it is not without its challenges. However, with continuous research and adaptive pedagogy, it is possible to navigate these challenges and harness the power of social media for effective and engaging language learning. 6. Conclusion This study provides an in-depth depth analysis of social media's impact on English language acquisition, outlining both its potential as a dynamic learning tool and its inherent drawbacks. The results indicate that while social media can foster growth in areas such as vocabulary vocabul and reading comprehension, it may also promote the use of informal language and abbreviations, negatively affecting writing skills. Such findings bear significant implications for educators and learners. Instructors can harness social media's potential to foster immersive language learning experiences, showcasing authentic language use, enabling peer interaction, and contextualizing language use in real-world world situations. However, educators should be cognizant of social media's limitations in language learning, arning, directing learners to critically assess language used on these platforms, distinguishing between formal and informal language, and discouraging the use of non-standard standard language forms. Future investigations could further explore how distinct social media platforms influence language learning, identify the most beneficial activities, and strategize to counteract potential disadvantages associated with language learning through social media. 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