Code Switching on Social Media: Patterns, Motivations, and Identity Construction Among Bilingual Users

Abstract

In the digital era, code-switching has become a common practice among bilingual users on social media. This study examines the patterns, motivations, and role of code-switching in identity construction. It draws on key theories such as John J. Gumperz (1982), Shana Poplack (1980), and Carol Myers-Scotton (1993). A qualitative descriptive method was used, with data collected from Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok through observation and documentation. The findings show that intra-sentential code-switching is the most dominant pattern, reflecting bilingual competence. The main motivations include expressing emotions, adapting to audiences, and enhancing communication style. Code-switching also plays a key role in constructing hybrid identities, combining global and local elements. The study concludes that code-switching is a meaningful and strategic practice, contributing to sociolinguistics and English Language Teaching in digital contexts.