The Impact of Social Media on Language Evolution

Abstract

Purpose: The general purpose of this study was to explore the impact of social media on language evolution.

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of social media on language evolution. Preliminary empirical review revealed significant changes in language use driven by the rapid spread of new words, phrases, and communication styles on social media platforms. It found that social media democratized language change, allowing diverse users to influence linguistic trends, and highlighted the emergence of micro-languages within online communities. The integration of visual elements like emojis and memes into text-based communication added nuance and expressiveness, aligning digital interactions more closely with face-to-face communication. The study emphasized the need for digital literacy in education and ongoing research into digital communication's impact on language, noting social media's role as a powerful catalyst for language change.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Network Theory, Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Speech Community Theory may be used to anchor future studies on social media on language evolution. The study recommended expanding traditional linguistic theories to incorporate the dynamics of digital communication, incorporating digital literacy into education to prepare students for new linguistic norms, and for businesses to align their messaging with emerging social media trends. It also advised policymakers to use social media for language preservation, bridge the digital divide to promote linguistic diversity, and support interdisciplinary research to understand the long-term effects of social media on language. These recommendations aimed to adapt theory, practice, and policy to the evolving linguistic landscape.