LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA: EFFECTIVE OR ENTERTAINING?

Abstract

This article looks at how social media is used in learning English and whether it actually helps learners improve or simply entertains them. With the rise of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, students are now using digital spaces to hear and practice English outside the classroom. This study combines a short review of past research with a student survey to explore how useful these platforms really are. The results show that many learners benefit from watching videos and picking up new vocabulary, but there are limits — especially when it comes to grammar or structured learning. While social media can be a fun and helpful tool, it works best when learners use it actively and with clear goals. The paper also gives suggestions for both students and teachers on how to use social media more effectively for language learning.