Abstract
Social media platforms have recently emerged as an important source of interactions within the Sepedi-speaking community. However, the increased use of social networking platforms such as WhatsApp has led to the emergence of new types of problems, such as incorrect language use, cultural and traditional denigration. This descriptive study gathered data from Mahwelereng, Ga-Madiba village in Limpopo province. A referral technique was utilised to collect a dual dataset (interviews and documentation) for the purpose of studying the identified phenomenon. The results show that social media facilitates effective communication and fosters social relations. Additionally, users write incorrectly on social networking sites because they combine English, Tsotsitaal, and other Northern Sotho dialects. The users are aware of this language mix-up and the impact it has on the integrity and efficacy of the message, but they do it anyway. The results show that such practice has the potential to erode the naturalness of the language, aggravate the marginalisation of minority languages, and cause a general reduction in effective language use. The study emphasises the need for mainstream media, language schools, and cultural influencers to encourage users to use social media responsibly. This is with a view to establishing a framework for moral purity, social cohesion and the preservation of African languages.