THE IMPACT OF WHATSAPP ON LANGUAGE USE AND COMMUNICATION IN JORDAN

Abstract

This study explores the impact of WhatsApp on communication and language use among people in
Jordan. Data was collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews conducted with
educationalists and fathers from the local society. The study analyzed the nature and frequency of WhatsApp
use and found that younger users were more likely to use the application, which could be due to their obsession
with it. The popularity of WhatsApp was attributed to its low cost, practicality, and popularity among poor or
rich Arabs. However, some users expressed concerns about its potential negative effects, such as reducing
physical communication, causing human addiction, and facilitating cheating in educational tests. The study
revealed that different people had varied perceptions of the application, depending on their purposes and
usage. Overall, these findings suggest that while WhatsApp has benefits for communication and language use
in Jordan, it also presents potential harm from its misuse. The study recommends further research and practical
measures to prevent such harm.