Leveraging social media for older Chinese adults’ English language learning: An overview on potential and challenges

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of elderly Chinese actively participating in social media and English learning. The main objective of this study is to explore the potential and challenges associated with social media use for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning among older Chinese adults. To achieve this, the article meticulously reviews both past and contemporary research, focusing on older adults' social media use and its potential impact on language learning, particularly English proficiency among this demographic. The published literature highlighted the strengths of social media in EFL learning and the increasing popularity of social media among older individuals. The benefits of using social media in older Chinese EFL learners' English learning emerged across four significant domains: speaking and communication, cognition, social engagement, and psychological well-being. Even though social media allows users to communicate with each other without boundaries, senior Chinese EFL learners face a set of psychological, social, and physical challenges that can inhibit their progress and effectiveness in acquiring English language skills through social media. By synthesizing the potentials and challenges in question, suggestions for future research on and practical application of leveraging social media for older Chinese adults' EFL learning are provided.