A Paradigm Shift: Utilising Social Media for English Language Practice
Chapter from the book: Uslu, S. (ed.) 2025. Academic Research and Evaluations in Educational Sciences.

Şenol Deniz
Ankara University

Synopsis

This chapter unveils the groundbreaking potential and investigates the profound paradigm shifting impacts of social media platforms on English language practice, highlighting its growing significance in today’s increasingly digitalized educational landscape. By examining how social media facilitates the development of core language skills such as writing, speaking, listening, and reading, this work underscores its potential to revolutionize traditional learning paradigms. Social media platforms are celebrated for their ability to boost student motivation, enhance linguistic proficiency, and foster cultural exchange, offering unparalleled opportunities for immersive and interactive learning experiences. The chapter also delves into the unique advantages of social media, such as its flexibility and accessibility, which render language acquisition processes more engaging, adaptive, and effective. However, it does not shy away from addressing the potential drawbacks, including distractions and the spread of misinformation, which can hinder educational outcomes if left unmanaged. Recommendations are provided for educational policymakers on optimizing the integration of social media into language learning, with an emphasis on maximizing its benefits while mitigating its challenges. Furthermore, the chapter identifies key areas for future research, aiming to deepen our understanding of social media’s evolving role in language education. A critical comparison between social media-driven approaches and traditional methods sheds light on their respective strengths and limitations, offering practical strategies to enhance students’ online interactions for language learning purposes. Ultimately, this chapter strikes a balanced perspective, articulating both the opportunities and challenges presented by social media in the realm of language education. It concludes with actionable insights on how to effectively incorporate these digital tools into teaching practices, paving the way for more dynamic, inclusive, and impactful learning environments.

How to cite this book

Deniz, Ş. (2025). A Paradigm Shift: Utilising Social Media for English Language Practice . In: Uslu, S. (ed.), Academic Research and Evaluations in Educational Sciences. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub682.c2856

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Published

March 24, 2025

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