Most college students spend hours on social media. They will chat with friends, share images or videos, watch reels, and post comments. As social sites continue to grow in popularity, students tend to use them more. This inevitably has an impact on the academic life of students. There is the potential to use social media in a positive way in education. However, its use can also cause procrastination and distract students from their studies.
Using for the wrong reasons
One of the positive aspects of social networking is that students can use their contacts for academic assistance and support. Social platforms also provide a space where students can share their interests or problems with like-minded individuals. They can use these online platforms to strengthen their digital communication skills.
The problem is that students tend to use social media to communicate about everything except their studies. This distracts them from the learning process. Their use can fuel procrastination. It means they are unlikely to complete assignments.
How to find assignment help through social networks
Social media use can be addictive and this is detrimental to academic performance. Students will constantly update news and post more and more photos. The total immersion in social life interferes with their studies and distracts them. If they want to receive online help, they can hire an assignment helper at EduBirdie online platform. This online service has expert writers who can help them with assignments so they can spend more time on their studies in college.
An integral part of student’s daily lives
More than 97% of college students report that they access platforms on a daily basis. This shows how much it’s an integral part of their daily lives. A 2023 Social Brand University (SBU) research study revealed:
- Over a third of young people say social media is an important part of their lives
- 73 percent of students spend two or more hours a day on media
- 26 percent of students spend five or more hours on platforms
- Examples of social media platforms students use most are Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
TikTok generated $350 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022. It is outperforming other platforms and shows no signs of slowing down. YouTube’s numbers also reflect its extensive reach and as of 2023, it has 2.68 billion active users. According to the latest data, Instagram has a billion active monthly users globally.
Students use a combination of mobile phones, laptops, and tablets to interact with their peers. The fact that these platforms are so accessible at all times from mobile devices can fuel excessive use.
Excessive use
It is not necessarily social media in itself that has a negative effect on academic performance. It’s the amount of time it can take up. Nearly 40% of U.S. online users admit that they feel the addictive pull. They experience a surge of dopamine when using social media which makes it hard to resist. It helps if students themselves realize the potential harm that comes from excessive use of social networks.
Time is a precious commodity. Students can’t afford to waste time and social media can be a huge time-waster. At its worst, students can become so addicted that they can’t do without it. It takes center stage in their lives instead of their studies. They become completely distracted from their study goals and objectives.
Colleges can encourage positive use
Colleges are starting to realize the potential of using social media in positive ways. Their social media marketing is starting to make an impact on the decision-making of prospective students. They increasingly rely on social media to find and attract new students.
Social media can be a powerful tool in education. Students can gain access to online resources, exchange ideas, and collaborate with peers. They can also communicate with instructors and sharpen their digital communication skills. There can be counselors to manage students who approach them with overuse problems or any other bullying/trolling issues they might face.
Conclusion
It is possible for students to use social media in positive and negative ways. It can be beneficial when they use it to enhance their communication skills, collaborate with peers, etc. However, spending excessive time on various platforms can lead to reduced study hours, procrastination, and lower grades. It is helpful if students themselves become aware of the importance of not wasting time on social media. Colleges can also help to encourage using social media for positive purposes.
Author’s Bio
Mary Spears writes blogs and articles for various top sites which have given her wide popularity as a writer who knows her audience in and out. It’s her ability to gauge the audiences and the subjects that she writes on that has earned high ratings on her freelance profile. She also advises students to do their best when writing academic assignments.
