Critical Analysis of English Language Use in Social Media on Discourse Structure Changes and Linguistic Identity of Generation Z

Abstract

This study explores the impact of social media on the evolution of discourse structures and the linguistic identity of Generation Z. Using a qualitative, literature review methodology, the research analyzes existing studies to understand how English is adapted and reshaped within digital communication practices. Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, have led to a shift from traditional linguistic norms towards more informal, brief, and multimodal forms of communication. The review of scholarly works reveals that the structure of language has changed, with an increased use of abbreviations, emojis, and other non-textual elements, reflecting a more fluid and adaptive form of discourse. Additionally, the study highlights how social media serves as a platform for linguistic identity formation, where Generation Z constructs and negotiates their self-representation through language, often incorporating hybrid linguistic forms and code-switching. These changes, while facilitating new ways of expressing identity and fostering digital affiliation, may also pose challenges regarding the preservation of formal language skills in academic and professional contexts. The findings underscore the need for future research to explore the long-term effects of these shifts on language proficiency and their implications for education systems. This paper contributes to the growing understanding of the intersection between digital communication and linguistic evolution in the age of social media.