The Influence of Social Media Platforms on Writing Skills Development in Intermediate English Language Learners

Naser Badali¹ Houman Nazari Bigdilou²

1) TEFL Instructor, Department of English Language, Parsabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parsabad, Iran
2) Department of English Language, Parsabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parsabad, Iran

IOI Code : AZGA-AACEAA
Publication : 5th International Conference on Advanced Research in Management And Humanities(huconf.com/5th)
Abstract :
    This study examined the impact of social media platforms on the development of formal writing skills among intermediate English learners. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research involved pre- and post-assessments of 60 learners, along with questionnaires, interviews, and reflective journals. Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in writing scores after the intervention (p < 0.001), indicating that social media activities could effectively enhance writing performance. Attitudinal data showed that learners were highly motivated and perceived social media as beneficial for language development, despite concerns regarding informal register use. Qualitative findings identified themes such as increased engagement, vocabulary growth, and challenges in transferring informal language skills to formal writing. The results suggested that, although social media served as a motivating and engaging supplementary tool, explicit instruction on register and formal language was necessary for optimal learning outcomes. These findings have important implications for language teaching, emphasizing the integration of digital platforms with targeted pedagogical strategies. Future research was recommended to explore long-term effects, platform-specific impacts, and instructional approaches to maximize transferability from informal to formal writing. Social media demonstrated promising potential to improve writing skills when combined with explicit instruction and reflection.

Keywords : social media language learning writing skills digital communication