THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON LANGUAGE EVOLUTION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of social media on language evolution among young adults, examining how digital communication platforms shape linguistic trends and alter traditional language norms. As social media usage grows, young adults increasingly engage in language innovation through practices such as abbreviations, emojis, and internet slang, which blur the lines between formal and informal language. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, analyzing linguistic patterns in social media posts and conducting surveys to understand young adults' attitudes toward language changes driven by online communication. Findings suggest that social media fosters rapid linguistic adaptation, with users adopting and spreading novel expressions and stylistic elements that reflect the platform's immediacy and informality. The research highlights the dual role of social media as both a space for creativity and a potential challenge to standardized language practices. Implications for educators, linguists, and social media developers are discussed, considering how the platform-driven evolution of language may impact communication and literacy in a digital age.