Social Media and English Learning Investment Among Brazilian Millennials

• Author(s) / Creator(s)

  • Ariane, Camilo Monaco

• While technology increases communication and autonomy, it also presents an opportunity for learning. Likewise, social media increases Brazilians’ exposure to the English language. Previous studies have shown the positive outcomes of technology in education, and researchers have argued that the use of social media can increase student’s engagement. This study sought to help increase our understanding of how technology and social media influence English language learning investment among Brazilian millennials. Qualitative data was gathered through one-on-one interviews and analyzed by applying Norton’s sociocultural investment theory. Findings emphasize participants’ increased reliance on technology for education, work and personal purposes. Participants seemed to place high value on English, and they perceived English as an essential factor in their future needs. However, findings suggested that participants did not actively take part in interaction with people of other cultures. Furthermore, the study revealed an indirect effect of social media on the participants’ language skills, suggesting that social media can be used to facilitate second language development and enhance intercultural skills. Results of this study shed light on how technology and social media impact Brazilians’ investment in the English language. Recommendations for future research include taking a longitudinal approach with a larger sample.

• Date created

  2019-08-01

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Millennials
  • Language and culture
  • Language
  • Social media
  • English Learning
  • Brazil

• Type of Item

  Report

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-ckq2-gy90

• License

  Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International