IMPACT OF MEME BASED LANGUAGE EXPOSURE ON STUDENT`S ATTITUDES TOWARD STANDARD ENGLISH USAGE

Abstract

The rapid growth of digital media has transformed contemporary communication practices, giving rise to new linguistic forms such as meme based language. This study investigates the influence of meme based language on communication habits, vocabulary development, social interaction, and formal language use among young social media users. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected through a structured survey administered to 17 respondents. The study examined participants' exposure to memes,engagement with meme culture, use of meme based expressions in everyday communication, and perceptions regarding the impact of meme language on academic writing and language proficiency. The findings reveal that meme based language constitutes a significant component of participants' digital experiences. Respondents reported frequent exposure to memes, high levels of comprehension of meme related expressions, and active engagement through viewing, sharing, and incorporating memes into informal communication. The results further indicate that memes function as an important source of contemporary slang and emerging vocabulary, contributing to linguistic creativity and the circulation of new expressions within online communities. Moreover, participants perceived meme based communication as enjoyable, socially engaging, and effective in strengthening peer relationships and fostering a sense of shared identity. Despite the widespread use of meme language, the findings provide limited evidence of negative effects on formal language practices. Most respondents demonstrated an ability to distinguish between informal digital discourse and formal academic communication, reporting minimal use of meme language in academic writing and little difficulty transitioning between linguistic registers. While participants generally viewed meme based communication positively, a substantial majority acknowledged that excessive reliance on meme language could potentially affect language skills. This finding reflects a critical awareness of both the benefits and limitations associated with informal digital communication. The study concludes that meme based language functions primarily as a complementary communicative resource rather than a replacement for standard language. It enrichesinformal interaction, facilitates social connection, and contributes to linguistic innovation while exerting minimal influence on formal writing practices. These findings highlight the evolving role of digital communication in shaping contemporary language use and underscore the need for further research involving larger and more diverse populations to better understand the long term implications of meme based discourse.