Social Media and Language Learning: How: EFL Students Use Online Platforms for Language Learning at the College of Basic Education in Kuwait

Abstract

This study explores the role of social media platforms in facilitating both academic and social interactions among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at the College of Basic Education in Kuwait. The main aim of this study is to investigate EFL students’ perceptions of this use of social media and thus to determine how it can be used to facilitate language learning. A qualitative analysis approach was used, based on semi-structured interviews with 60 college students, to explore how these learners use platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) Instagram, and WhatsApp as tools for language learning. Understanding the use of social media for language learning has relevance in the modern world in terms of it enriching EFL learners’ experiences by bridging the gap between formal education and practical language use, highlighting the need to integrate these digital tools into language learning. The findings in this case reveal that social media is a significant tool for facilitating language learning practice, peer collaboration, and access to educational resources, acting as a critical tool for language learning by offering students opportunities to engage in authentic communication, access to diverse linguistic resources, and chances to participate in online communities that foster collaborative learning.