THE IMPACT OF WHATSAPP ON ACADEMIC ENGLISH WRITING SKILLS OF UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL STUDENTS AT KOHAT UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of WhatsApp on the academic English writing skills of undergraduate students at Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST). With the increasing prevalence of WhatsApp as a communication tool, this study aims to understand its influence on formal writing proficiency among students. The research employs a sequential mixed-method approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative analyses, to assess the perceptions and writing behaviors of 200 undergraduate students. Only 170 responses have been received. Quantitative findings, analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics through descriptive analysis, reveal that a significant portion of students acknowledge the negative impact of WhatsApp on their academic writing. By examining the specific impact of WhatsApp on writing skills, this study offers valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and language researchers, advocating for a balanced approach to integrating technology in educational settings.

Keywords: WhatsApp, Academic Writing, English Language, Undergraduate Students, Writing Skills, Mixed-Method Research