Facebook Effect on Learners’ Study

Abstract

Communicating through the virtual world becomes the print mark of the era of digital technologies. The internet is at the fingertips of any user: child, pupil, student, man, woman,…etc. The virtual world has changed how people interact with each other, how they use the language, and even how they learn. Among the online social networking, Facebook is the most used in the world. Facebook has different functions and many benefits. However, the majority of students are constantly interacting through facebook chatting for long periods of time. The question to be asked is “What are facebook effect on Algerian learners’ study in general and on their written English in specific?” By the end of the first semester 2014- 2015, a questionnaire has been administered to first year students of English at Badji Mokhtar University- Annaba. The results revealed facebook negative effect on learners’ study in general besides some negative effect on their academic writing in English in specific. Facebook affected learners’ attention, concentration, and time management. They became more attracted to facebook as an entertaining tool. However, facebook can be used as an effective learning tool if learners consider certain key points. Hence, students should be aware of how to use technology and not to be used by technology.