Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Internet has slowly transformed from something we want, to something we need.

Social network is one of the most important elements for Internet, which connects

everyone on this planet.

Internet is growing at an overwhelming pace, and the growth is still continuing.

The birth of Internet has provided tons of advantages by establishing connections around

the world. With the emergence of Internet, plenty of new industries had been created,

such as online advertising and e-commerce. Without exception, tons of social networks

were emerging as well. In the beginning, simple online communication tools such as e-

mail and Microsoft Network (MSN) was developed to ease international communication.

Within several years, these communication tools had been innovated and advanced into a

more complex platform with hundreds of different features, but the ultimate goal was

remained, to establish connection between every human. These freshly created platforms

were categorized as social networks. Facebook, Google+ and Twitter,YouTube are

currently the most prominent social networking sites in the world, with billions of

registered users and tremendous daily traffics.

Social networks not only connect people, they also provide a medium to share

information with the world. For example, Facebook offers a feature called Pages, which

enabled anyone to open a page, to share information, promote websites, links, and news.

In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])
The question is, are these links, news, and information conveying proper form of

English? Is it harmful for the users’ English proficiency?

In today’s global world, the importance of English language cannot be denied or

ignored since it is widely spoken and increasingly used as the primary language on the

world-wide-web, in commerce and science, even in the political and business fields. For

this reason, if someone wants to follow trends, new gadgets and technology,

modernization of the developing world, he has to know English whatever age he is in.

It is inevitable to ignore the fact that nowadays social network plays an essential

role in teenagers’ lives. One may ask how spending all that time on the social media sites

may have a positive impact on them. Well, social media helps the youth and any other

user updated with what is happening around the world, help the teenagers stay connected

and interact with each other even if they are many miles apart. This strengthens their

relationship even if they finished school and moved to different locations they stay

connected and update one another.

In addition, social media sites have provided a platform whereby the youth can

create groups and pages based on their common discipline and end up building

connections and opportunities for their respective careers by updating various topics to

discuss.

This study is conducted due to the increasing numbers of teenagers who adapt the

habit of using social networking as a medium to communicate. As a result of using too

much social networking tools, it tends to affect English proficiency. Therefore, it is

interesting to explore whether such popular habits could affect English proficiency

In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])
positively or negatively. Although in our country, English is not our national language

but it is still important for further studies.

Thus, this research aims to study the relationship between the usage of social

network and several elements such as English proficiency, self-perceived English

proficiency and final English grades. This research targets junior high school students

with the age ranged from 13 years old – 18 years old. 100% of the respondents are from

Quirino, Isabela. With this information, the researcher will be able to formulate a rough

pictures and ideas on the hypotheses and establish a conclusion.

The relationship between social networks and language is filled with question

marks. This study is to be conducted to find out the exact answer to this question.

Conceptual Framework

This study is anchored on the concept that social media with the use of gadgets

and other social media sites seek to determine if the features has an adverse impact on the

English proficiency of the high school students in Quirino, Isabela.

When “languages” and “social networks” are put side by side, nothing interesting

will be observed. But studies claim that, the usage of social networks was strongly

bonded with users’ English proficiency. Despite the huge amount of languages on this

planet, English is still the most commonly used language when it comes to Internet. The

tremendous growth of social networks was accompanied by a series of new jargons called

Internet slangs. This language is commonly used on the Internet, mainly to quicken

communications or express emotions. The usage of Internet slangs is undeniably useful,

In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])
but it also brought negative impacts to some users. On the other hand, some researches

stated that, social networks bring more good than harm.

Social networking clearly portrays both positive and negative effects on the youth.

It is decision of an individual to make whether to continue using the sites or not.

Youth who have been interviewed they say that social media has become their

lifestyle and it makes their lives easier and efficient.

As the youth tend to spend many hours on these sites, they rarely have face-to-

face interaction. Another negative effects of social networking that various people

suggested included encouraging poor spelling and grammar, exposing underage to online

predators, allowing spread of misinformation that is perceived as fact, decreasing

productivity as those who are supposed to be working spend time in the sites to chat,

provide a perfect platform for cyber bullying and providing details that increase risks of

identity theft.

This research aims to go beyond the access of the social media sites which is

associated with the other linguistic features which may be said to define social

networking as a language variety.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Profile of the
Respondents
a. age
b. sex Information on the impact
Analysis of the profile of
c. Dialect Spoken of social media on the
d. Final Grades in two grading the respondents and their English Proficiency of
periods High School Students
[Link] Media practices social media practices.

In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])
of respondents in terms of:
a. access to social
networking sites
b. personal opinion on the
English language
c. linguistic features
d. English usage in Social
Media

FEEDBACK MECHANISM

Figure 1. Conceptual paradigm showing the impact of social networking sites on the
English proficiency of the high school students of Quirino, Isabela.

Figure 1 shows the conceptual paradigm of the study. The input variables include
the respondent’s social network practices in terms of: access to social networking sites,
personal opinion on the English language, linguistic features and English usage in Social
Media.
The analysis of the profile of the respondents and their social media practices will
also be taken.
The third box in the paradigm shows the output variable which is the information

on the impact of social media on the English Proficiency of the students.

Through a careful analysis of the independent variables, it is hoped that this

research will bring about prevalent information on the impact of Social Network on the

English proficiency of the students. This will serve as a point of reference to improve the

English skills of the students. Hence, the expected output of this study is an improved

English proficiency skill of the students. The arrow that goes back to the boxes shows

possible feedback that may serve in improving the English proficiency of the high school

students of Quirino, Isabela.

In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])
Statement of the Problem

This study aims to find out the impact of Social Network on the English

Proficiency of High School Students.

Specifically this study will answer the following problems:

1. What is the students profile in terms of: a.) age b) sex c) dialect spoken

2. What is the extent of students’ usage social networking sites?

3. Do the students’ extent of social networking sites usage significantly differ when

grouped according to profile?

4. How proficient are the students in English?

5. Do the students’ English proficiency significantly differ when grouped according to

profile?

6. Is there a significant relationship between students’ extent of social networking sites

usage and their English proficiency?

Hypotheses

Hypothesis 1

o Ho: The students’ extent of social networking sites usage significantly differ when

grouped according to profile.

o H1: The students’ extent of social networking sites usage do not significantly differ

when grouped according to profile.

Hypothesis 2

o Ho: The students’ English proficiency significantly differ when grouped according to

profile.

In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])
o H1: The students’ English proficiency do not significantly differ when grouped

according to profile.

Hypothesis 3

o Ho: There is no significant relationship between students’ extent of social networking

sites usage and their English proficiency.

o H1: There is a significant relationship between students’ extent of social networking

sites usage and their English proficiency.

Significance of the Study

This study will be conducted to serve as a way in finding out the basis for

improving the English proficiency of high school students of Quirino, Isabela.

Students. The findings of this study will serve as a point of reflection for the

students to discover whether social networking sites could positively or negatively affect

their English proficiency. Furthermore, the findings from this study will lead the students

to develop in themselves the importance of using the words correctly which will help

them to become a more productive individual. English teachers can also be given greater insights

regarding the impact of social networking sites on the English proficiency of high school students.

English Teachers. The study can also help teachers directed to open the doors of any teacher’s

creativity which would add to the new methods & strategies of teaching based on recent innovations in

education. This can also provide opportunities for teachers to evaluate their instructional materials relative

to their objectives as well as classroom activities to improve the students’ English Proficiency. This study

will also serve as an eye-opener to teachers to reinforce solutions that are found effective to reduce or

In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])
minimize the impact of Social Network on the English Proficiency. As the K-12 schools begin in the

country, cell phones are the enemy and must be left at home, deposited at the office, or turned off.

However, some teachers and schools are embracing the unique features gadgets to connect with students

both inside and outside of the classroom. At the institutional and classroom levels, communicating

through social network with students and parents can increase attendance and participation in educational

activities. Schools, from elementary to university, are using social networks to inform parents about

student truancy or alert students about emergencies or school closings. This will keep the school

administrator and parents to be connected with each other and will find an easier way to identify the

impact of social network on the English Proficiency of students in their academic performance.

The Researcher. Through this study, the researcher will help identify the “do’s” and “don’ts” of

social network to students especially on their academic performance. It is also a gateway towards a better

use of the social network.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study will look into the impact of social network on the English proficiency of the high

school students of Quirino, Isabela, preferably the junior high school for the first and second grading of

school year 2017-2018. Its scope is limited to the English proficiency of students in terms of using social

network, final grade in English and distinctive internet slangs.

The researcher will prepare a controlled test based from

“[Link]

[Link]%2F&h=kAQGrdJNg”

Definition of Terms

For clarity and understanding of the terms to be used in this study, the following are operationally
In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])
and conceptually defined:

English Language Proficiency. It is the ability of students to use the English language

to make and communicate meaning in spoken and written contexts while completing their

program of study.

Facebook. It is a popular free social networking website that allows registered

users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with

friends, family and colleagues.

Google. The definition of google is a company known for an internet search

engine, as well as for computer apps like Gmail, Picasa and Google Drive.

High School Students. These are the leaners who belong to Grade 7 to Grade 12.

Impact. It means to have a strong effect on someone or something.

Internet. It is a global computer network providing a variety of information and

communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using

standardized communication protocols.

Instagram. It is the name of an online photo sharing social Web service that lets

you share your life with friends through a series of pictures captured with a mobile

device.

Netizen. It is a person who actively uses the Internet especially in a proper and

responsible way.

Social Networking Sites (SNS). It is a dedicated website or other application that

enables users to communicate with each other by posting and sending information,

comments, messages, images, etc.

In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])
 Slang. It is a type of language that consists of words and phrases that are regarded as

very informal, are more common in speech than writing, and are typically restricted to

a particular context or group of people.

Twitter. It is a free social networking microblogging service that allows registered

members to broadcast short posts called tweets

Youtube. YouTube is a video sharing service that allows users to watch videos

posted by other users and upload videos of their own.

Website. It is a connected group of pages on the World Wide Web regarded as a

single entity, usually maintained by one person or organization and devoted to a single

topic or several closely related topics.

MSN. Microsoft Network

In the study of Carol A. Decker 2012 1“Training Transfer: Perceptions of Computer Use Self-Efficacy among University Employees
The University of Tennessee 2. Ibid (Jex, S. M., & Gudanowski, D. M. (1992). Efficacy beliefs and work stress: An exploratory study.
Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13 (5), 509-517)3. Loc sit ([Link] [Link])