Abstract

New social media trends have lately emerged as a result of globalization. Social media has a wide range of effects on people's lives. Certain elements fade with each successive development, while others become the standard. Literacy evolution undoubtedly coincides with the introduction of new technology. Writing is a challenging and complicated process. It takes some critical expertise to make it apparent and acceptable. Social media was first blamed for this occurrence and hypotheses were developed regarding how modern technology can affect students' academic writing processes directly or indirectly. Chinese society is not an exception, as Wechat and other social media platforms are increasingly being used, particularly in the everyday interactions of BS-level students in China. The goal of this study was to distinguish between texting and formal writing and to make the learners aware of the value of writing in their personal and educational lives. This study aimed to identify students' opinions regarding formal essays, particularly those seen in exam papers, as well as the functions of social media and how they can affect their formal writing. The current study also sought to investigate the phenomena of texting and its detrimental impact on students' academic writing. According to the study, the causes that lead pupils to use texting in writing are a lack of concentration, forgetting the form of some phrases and unconsciousness. The collected data were statistically and qualitatively examined. At the end of the investigation, the researchers' conclusion with comments and recommendations was also summarized.