Influence of social networks on language norms and usage

Modern trends in digital communication exacerbate the problem of changing language norms under the influence of social networks, making the investigation of this issue particularly relevant. The purpose of the preset study was to identify and analyse transformations in language norms and usage as a result of the active use of social networks as the primary means of everyday communication. The study employed methods of linguistic observation, content analysis, and comparative analysis. The study revealed stable changes in written and oral communication caused by Internet communication: active use of slang, emojis, abbreviations, and Anglicisms; the study recorded an expansion of usage due to norms formed within online communities. The linguistic features of popular platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram) were analysed, as well as differences in the speech behaviour of users depending on their age and social context. The study found that the norms of online communication often contradict conventional literary norms, thereby influencing the formation of linguistic norms among young people. The data obtained also indicated the development of specific communication strategies driven by technical limitations and the functionality of various platforms, which leads to unique linguistic manifestations in each online community. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the intensity and nature of language changes directly correlated with the level of user involvement in interactive forms of communication, such as commenting and taking part in discussions. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying its findings in educational and media teaching practice – in the development of training courses on modern linguistics, media literacy, as well as in the field of editing and translation