The Influence of Social Media on Contemporary English Vocabulary

Abstract

Social media has emerged as a dominant platform for communication, creativity, and linguistic innovation. This paper investigates how TikTok, one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, contributes to the evolution of English vocabulary. Through a theoretical analysis supported by illustrative examples, this paper examines the emergence of neologisms, abbreviations, and semantic shifts driven by TikTok trends and user interactions. The findings highlight the influence of digital culture on word formation processes and the increasing acceptance of informal lexicons in contemporary communication. This study aims to bridge the gap between sociolinguistic theory and the impact of digital media on language change.