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In:Digital and Internet-Based Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
Edited by Matt Kessler
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 15] 2026
► pp. 103–122

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Chapter 6
Social media

 | Curtin University
 | Curtin University
Published online: 5 January 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.15.06oli
Abstract
This chapter explores social media as a site for applied linguistics research and the methods that are used for such studies. To date, the majority of social media studies have examined platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter/X. Increasingly, however, researchers are also exploring platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Tik Tok, among others. Topics for study include how language is used — including translanguaging — and how users create their cultural and linguistic identities via different platforms and how learners can develop and expand their language and literacy. We outline the different ways data are captured and the various methods used for analysis (e.g., meta-analysis, discourse analysis, ethnographic approaches). We exemplify these, and the different theoretical frameworks used by describing five different studies. We also provide commentary on some of the ethical issues and challenges related to social media research. We conclude by providing suggestions for future research.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Frequently asked research questions
  • 3.Implementation
    • Sites/topics of inquiry
    • Research methods
    • Data analysis
  • 4.Example studies
    • Dovchin and Shinjee (2022)
    • Qassrawi and Al Karasneh (2023)
    • Hanna and Nooy (2003)
    • Oliver and Exell (2024)
    • Duek and Nilsberth (2022)
  • 5.Ethics and research integrity considerations
  • 6.Challenges and issues
  • 7.Future research directions
  • References
References (37)
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