THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA DISCOURSE IN SHAPING ENGLISH LANGUAGE USE AMONG YOUNG LEARNERS

Abstract

The rapid development of social media platforms has significantly influenced contemporary language use, particularly among young English language learners. This study examines how social media discourse affects vocabulary development, grammatical structures, and communicative strategies. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis of texts collected from platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram. The findings reveal that social media enhances vocabulary acquisition, promotes linguistic creativity, and increases learner motivation. However, it also contributes to the simplification of grammatical structures and reduced adherence to formal writing conventions. The study highlights the importance of balancing informal digital communication with formal language learning practices