Social Media Platforms in the Eyes of Junior High School Students: A Boon or Bane to English Communicative Competence

This study explored how students interact with social media and its effects on their English communication skills. We focused on a group of ten students from Cabantian National High School in Davao City. By using a phenomenological approach, we really aimed to get into their thoughts and personal experiences. Through in-depth interviews, we learned about their unique stories related to social media. Several common themes emerged from these conversations. Many students highlighted how social media has helped them stay connected with friends and family and has provided them quick access to information and entertainment. When discussing the positive impacts on their English skills, students noted several benefits. They found joy in how social media allows them to share information widely, engage with people from different cultures, and enhance their communication skills in English. However, their experiences weren't entirely positive; they also brought up some drawbacks. For instance, they mentioned that social media can disrupt their daily routines and sometimes lead to exposure to misleading or harmful information. The insights they shared were quite revealing. Students discovered that social media makes it easier to access free academic research, but many recognized that it might also trigger feelings of social anxiety. This highlights the important role educators play in helping navigate these platforms. Teachers need to be creative in how they use social media, guiding students on how to use their devices effectively for learning. It’s crucial for educators to understand how students engage with social media in the classroom, ensuring it enhances their educational experience rather than detracting from it.