Social media in language learning: a mixed-methods investigation of Saudi students’ perceptions

Abstract

. This study investigates Saudi students’ attitudes towards the use of four Social Media (SM) applications for learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL): Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Ninety-nine adult students participated in this mixed-methods study, which included surveys and interviews to examine their perception of SM as pedagogical tools. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVAs) revealed that there are differences between beginner and advanced students in their perceptions of the usefulness of SM applications for language learning, but not in their affective feelings towards SM for use outside the classroom, nor their choice of SM application for learning. In addition, groups’ choices of SM varied according to language purposes and skills to be learned. Further qualitative analysis revealed that advanced learners are reluctant to use SM for academic purposes, considering them to be their own social (not educational) spaces.