Effects of social networking on ESL/EFL students’ learning

Abstract

Social networking has developed an innovative way to promote English language learning through the creation of online communities; however, the adequate application of this tool is not well known among teachers. Thus, the present research synthesis aims to analyze the reported effects of social networking on students’ learning. This work was an explanatory bibliographical research. Fifteen studies were selected through inclusion criteria such as the age of the participants, the type of students, and the year of publication. These studies were analyzed in different categories to explore the benefits of using social networking for English acquisition. The results indicated that social networking instruction improve students’ language and socioaffective skills during the English learning process. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that social networking sites provide opportunities to enhance communication and social interaction. Lastly, the findings revealed that this type of instruction is suitable for increasing motivation in students. Further research studies were recommended based on the gaps that were identified in the analysis.