IJELI Published Article Details

Abstract This study explored the influence of social media–driven lexical innovations on the academic writing performance of Generation Z students at Northern Iloilo State University–Ajuy Campus. Grounded in the Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) Theory, the research employed a quantitative descriptive–correlational design to examine how exposure to online platforms and slang affects students’ formal writing. Fifty undergraduate students from five academic programs participated through a validated survey questionnaire, and data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that BTW, LOWKEY, ASAP, and SLAY were among the most frequently used slang expressions, primarily acquired through social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram. Students perceived that the use of slang and lexical innovation had a high influence on their academic writing performance, though no significant difference was found when grouped according to age, sex, or course. The findings confirm that social media serves as both a source of linguistic creativity and a challenge to formal writing conventions. The study concludes that Generation Z’s language use reflects the convergence of digital and academic literacies. It recommends that educators integrate digital literacy and language awareness into instruction to help students distinguish between informal and academic registers, fostering linguistic flexibility and academic competence in the digital era. Keywords: Social Media, Lexical Innovation, Generation Z, Academic Writing, Digital Communication, Computer-Mediated Communication Theory