A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL MEDIA LANGUAGE OF GEN Z AND GEN ALPHA IN PAKISTAN AND UK

Abstract

The use of online communication has become a major part of how young people interact, with social media platforms significantly influencing their language choices. Although previous research has examined digital language use, there is still limited researchcomparing Generation Z and Generation Alpha in different cultural contexts such as Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The aim of this study is to compare how these two generations use slang, abbreviations, and code switching in YouTube vlogsThis is a qualitative study guided by Communication Accommodation Theory (Giles, 1973) and Digital Native Theory (Prensky, 2001).The findings show clear differences across both generations. Gen Z uses slang confidently and trend aware, while Gen Alpha uses simpler, more emotionally direct slang. Gen Z also employs abbreviations more frequently than Gen Alpha, with Pakistani Gen Z using them for practicality and British Gen Z for social connection. Code switching is common and intentional among Pakistani Gen Z, while Pakistani Gen Alpha naturally mixes languages, and UK participants remain fully monolingual. Overall, the study concludes that youth language on social media is not only generation specific but also strongly shaped by cultural setting, bilingual context, and access to digital technology.