Exposure of Social Media and Its Effect on English Language Proficiency; Basis for Action Plan

Abstract

Social media profoundly affects contemporary communication, altering interpersonal relationships, information exchange, and the creation of digital identities. The study aims to determine exposure to social media and its effect on English language proficiency as the basis for an action plan. Using a descriptive correlation method, the respondents of this study are the grade 7 students of Mariveles National High School-(Cabcaben Annex) Alasasin. Data were collected using the adapted diagnostic test developed by Region III to measure the language proficiency of grade 7. Results revealed that grade 7 students are exposed to using Facebook; at the beginning level in English proficiency, the most mastered skills are those related to reading strategies, and the least developed skills are those about grammar. It is noted that most of the students, who were almost 50 to 70 percent of the examination takers, are at the beginning level, which denotes that there is still a need to improve the English language for grade 7 students. Lastly, the computed mean of Pearson r Value of the three sections is 0.27 with a positive low correlation. This means that increasing the hours of exposure to social media of Grade 7 students slightly increases their English language proficiency and vice versa. The recommendation of this study denotes that even social media has moderate implications for English language proficiency; teachers should monitor their students' use of social media. DepEd needs to set up free WiFi in every school so that our learners may use social media as a learning tool. Educators should give their students chances by setting aside time for social media use. Social media integration into their curriculum might also need to be considered.