This study examined psycholinguistic aspects within specific social media interactions. The study is based on Usage-Based Theory. Data for the study were collected from selected groups on WhatsApp, Facebook and Telegram. Relevant groups in WhatsApp, Facebook and Telegram were identified based on specific objectives, topic of discussion, size of the groups and activity level of the group. The identified groups were public and permission was obtained from the group administrators at every point of data collection. Data were collected via screenshots, stored, organised and analysed (using an Excel spreadsheet and SPSS). The data were analysed statistically using frequency, percentage and mean. The study found out that, over 50 % of the responses on the social media groups revealed that psycholinguistics has effect on social media interactions by tailoring feedback, adjusting individual preferences, proving direction and connection, modifying interaction and enhancing ability to persuade in communication.

Accountability and responsibility, restrictions against bias and discrimination and confidentiality were considered important ethical considerations in psycholinguistics in social media interactions. There is need to avoid contextual and potential biases while applying psycholinguistics techniques during WhatsApp, Facebook and Telegram group interactions; cultural sensitivity training for psycholinguistics practitioners to recognize and respect cultural differences in WhatsApp, Facebook and Telegram group interactions should be ensured and there is also the need to ensure flexibility in language use to accommodate diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.