Exploring Chinese Undergraduates’ Perceptions of Using Social Networking Sites in English Writing

Authors

  • Zhenfang Liao

    Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 436000, Selangor, Malaysia

    School of Foreign Language, ABa Teachers College, Wenchuan 623000, China
  • Supyan Hussin

    Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 436000, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Harwati Hashim

    Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 436000, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i6.9188
Received: 21 March 2025 | Revised: 11 April 2025 | Accepted: 7 May 2025 | Published Online: 13 June 2025

Abstract

This study investigates Chinese undergraduate students’ perceptions of using social networking sites (SNSs) for English writing development and identifies associated challenges. In light of the persistent challenges with English writing among Chinese undergraduates, especially with the relatively low pass rates in the writing section of the College English Test Band 4 (CET-4) exam, this study seeks to understand how SNSs, as digital learning tools, are perceived in the context of writing skill enhancement. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to 80 undergraduates, with descriptive analysis revealing generally positive perceptions of SNSs for writing practice. Semi-structured interviews with nine randomly selected participants further uncovered their key challenges, including language proficiency and accuracy concerns, psychological and social barriers and platform-specific limitations. There is no doubt that the findings provide the basis for concluding that SNSs have great potential as adjuncts for English writing instruction. However, there remains an equal need for effective pedagogical approaches to address the constraints inherent to digital SNSs tools. This study contributes to the discourse on technology-enhanced language learning by highlighting the dual role of SNSs as both facilitators and impediments in educational contexts, thereby advancing discussions on balancing technological integration with pedagogical efficacy in foreign language education.

Keywords:

Social Networking Sites; College English Writing; English Language Learning; Undergraduates Perception; Challenges

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How to Cite

Liao, Z., Hussin, S., & Hashim, H. (2025). Exploring Chinese Undergraduates’ Perceptions of Using Social Networking Sites in English Writing. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(6), 880–894. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i6.9188

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 6 (July 2025)

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2025 Zhenfang Liao, Supyan Hussin, Harwati Hashim

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.