Is social media a friend or foe for students? This blog post examines the Impact of Social Media on Students’ academic success, including both positive and negative consequences.

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of students’ lives. With billions of users worldwide, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have a profound impact on how young people learn, interact, and socialize. Not only adults but children and students are also spending significant time surfing social media platforms. But does this constant connectivity have a positive or negative influence on students’ academic performance?

  • Studies suggest that about 97% of the students regularly use social media applications and only 1% of them use them for academic purposes.
  • Another research suggests that a whopping 98.98% of the UAE population remains active on social media.
  • According to a survey conducted by a group of students from the Canadian University Dubai (CUD), 7 out of 10 or 69.7% of the UAE students spend five hours or more each day on social media.
  • Around 43% of grade 9th to 12th students confess to using social media to send and receive messages from their classmates and friends.

That clearly signifies the prevalence of social media in students’ lives. Now the question arises, how does social media affect students’ academic performance? Here we are going to list the impact of social media on students’ academic development.

Impact of Social Media on Students:

Positive Impact of Social Media on Students:

  1. Encourage online learning: Students feel motivated and encouraged to study when social media platforms are used in the classroom. Students can easily access a variety of educational resources on social media, which can promote their academic development. Distance learning, implemented by social media, is one of the finest methods to study from reputable organizations while being in any corner of the world.
  2. Boost creativity: Undeniably, social media fosters creativity among students. Students are able to learn new things, widen their perspectives, acquire new skills and then put them into practice on their own. For example, when they learn how soaps and detergents are made, they’ll be able to apply that knowledge while studying the relevant topic.
  3. Enhance peers-interaction: Previously, interaction was limited to in-person only, with distance and time constraints, but now with the implementation of social media, students can connect with their teachers and other students who share their interests, overcoming all constraints. Students can share their knowledge, and assignments with others or befriend like-minded people.
  4. Inform about the latest updates: In this digital era, social media platforms act as the notice board for students. Students get all the latest news, and updates regarding examinations, syllabus, and other relevant information faster & quicker on social media. Utilizing social media to gain academic information helps students to stay updated on the latest changes and development.
  5. Improve academic performance: Another important effect of social media is that it improves students’ academic performance and understanding by allowing them to research facts and information. When students are given tasks in school, they use a variety of internet resources to gather knowledge and discover answers to their problems. It also helps them in becoming independent learners and enhances their study interests.

Negative Impact of Social Media on Students:

  1. Addictive: Addiction of any kind is harmful as it impaired an individual’s ability to think rationally. Social media addiction is no different. With infinite scrolling, students get access to a never-ending stream of content that becomes addictive quickly. This may be extremely harmful to any kid who entirely relies on social media for learning. Some kids may fail to pay attention in class because they know they can always turn to social media for information, which can be hazardous since they would be unable to function without it.
  2. Cause distractions: Advantageous as social media is as a learning tool, it is equally distracting. Since there is so much noise and distraction on social media, it can have a negative impact on students. When using social media to learn, unwanted posts may appear on the app, distracting the user from their primary goal.
  3. Enhance mental distress: Social media usage depends entirely on the user’s discretion. Since social media is a powerhouse of content, abusive or disturbing content also floats freely on social media. Examples of such content include abusive images and videos, and even unsolicited ads that may cause depression, frustration, anxiety, and mental distress in students.
  4. Limit learning and research abilities: With the widespread usage of social media, students are increasingly relying on such platforms to obtain information and knowledge rather than searching for it in books, journals, or notes. As a result, students’ reading habits, as well as their learning and research abilities, are deteriorating due to the ease with which data may be obtained online.
  5. Health problems: Excessive usage of social media with a casual attitude might have physical consequences. While engaging on social networking platforms, students do not eat on time, do not get enough sleep, and are always on their phones or laptops, which can be harmful to their eyes. As a result, they become sluggish and unmotivated to study or even go out and meet new people. Too much social media use can harm kids’ minds, and they may be subjected to improper posture, eye strain, and physical and emotional stress.
  6. Impact on Mental Health: Social media can have a detrimental impact on students’ mental health. Constant exposure to idealized images and comparisons can lead to low self-esteem and body image issues. Cyberbullying and online harassment can cause anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can create feelings of isolation and anxiety. Additionally, the blue light emitted from electronic devices can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. It’s crucial for students to be mindful of these risks and take steps to protect their mental well-being.

How to Balance Social Media uses with Study:

While social media can offer many benefits, it’s essential to use it mindfully. To maximize its positive impact and minimize its negative effects, students should:

  • Set Limits: Establish clear boundaries for social media use, including time limits and designated “device-free” zones.
  • Use Social Media for Learning: Utilize platforms like YouTube, Khan Academy, and Coursera to access educational content and connect with like-minded individuals.
  • Practice Digital Citizenship: Be aware of the potential risks of social media and take steps to protect your privacy and online reputation.

That concludes how social media affects students. Keeping all the aspects in mind, it is recommended that parents should keep a close check on what their children are doing on social media. Book a free one-on-one counseling session with our experts to get career guidance and resolve all your queries. Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to assist you.