THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE LANGUAGE OF YOUTH IN SELECTED LGAs IN RIVERS STATE

This study examined the influence of social media on the language of  youth in Obio/Akpor, Ikwere, and Emohua Local Government Areas of Rivers State. The objectives of the study were to explore how social media influences language practices in both formal and informal contexts, identify the linguistic features adopted from social media, examine the factors contributing to language change, and assess the implications for communication and language teaching. The research was guided by the Sociolinguistic Theory and the Communication Accommodation Theory, which provided the theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between social interaction, media use, and language variation. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 311 respondents selected through proportionate sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that WhatsApp is the dominant social media platform among youths, with most participants using it for over five years and spending more than two hours daily. Communication patterns combined both formal and informal expressions, characterized by frequent use of slang, abbreviations, emojis, and hashtags. Although many respondents were uncertain about the direct influence of social media on their offline language, the study found subtle linguistic effects alongside broader social, cultural, and economic factors driving language change. The study concludes that social media, rather than diminishing language proficiency, can serve as a tool for language awareness and education if effectively integrated into language learning and communication practices. It is therefore recommended that educators and policymakers harness social media platforms to promote standard language use and interactive learning among youths