THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN DEVELOPING EFL LEARNERS’ COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS
Keywords:
Social media, EFL learners, communicative competence, language learning, learner autonomy, digital toolsAbstract
This study investigates the role of social media in developing communicative skills among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. In the digital era, social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram provide interactive and authentic environments for language practice. The paper examines how these tools enhance written and oral communication, foster learner autonomy, increase motivation, and promote intercultural awareness. While social media offers numerous pedagogical benefits, challenges such as distraction, exposure to incorrect language, and unequal access must be carefully addressed. The findings suggest that purposeful integration of social media into EFL instruction can significantly contribute to the development of learners’ communicative competence, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world language use
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