An Investigation of the Relationship between Language and Social Media (Metaphysical Perspective): A Case Study of Secondary School Students within the Bwaila Cluster

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the metaphysical connectivity and nature of how language is used among students in this modern society of social media. The area of concern and concentration of this study was mainly students of the schools in Bwaila cluster of Lilongwe District in Malawi. Metaphysics basically looks at the ultimate principles of reality and how humans as well as other nature are affected by the mushrooming digital platforms which in turn influence most linguistic daily practices. The main focus was on interactions that have been observed in many popular digital platforms which include the famous Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Of great interest was identification of the patterns in language mixing, how slang is developed, and how new communication forms like emojis and hashtags are communicated. The study utilized a qualitative methodology. This involves conducting interviews as well as performing thematic analysis in order to understand students’ social media habits and their implications for language skills and cultural identity. The study captured insights of how social media shapes language among adolescents and teenagers and the broader cultural contexts in which this occurs. Main findings of the research indicate that language is greatly influenced by social media. This in-turn influences the way young people understand language and its practices. Metaphysically, language plays a big role especially among the young generation through the facilitation of language learning and expression of cultural identities. The study revealed that most students as evidenced in the methodology chapter navigate complex linguistic landscapes by utilizing innovative forms of communication that reflect their social environments. In light of these findings, the study emphasizes the need for educational strategies in colleges and universities that should illuminate and enlighten lecturers on how to integrate the realities of digital communication into language education. By adapting teaching methods to incorporate social media trends, educators can enhance engagement and understanding, thereby leading to improvement in language learning outcomes. This research hereby contributes into modern areas of knowledge through the evolving nature of language in the digital age and offers practical recommendations for academicians from both secondary school levels to higher learning institutional levels. The target for this is to foster linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness among students.