Educational and Psychological Impacts of Social Media on University Students’: A Case Study of UNIDEL

Abstract

The pervasive use of social media among university students has sparked significant interest in understanding its educational and psychological impacts. This study examines social media’s educational and psychological effects on students at the University of Delta (UNIDEL). A cross-sectional survey design was used to engage 244 respondents selected through stratified random sampling and purposeful sampling methods. The questionnaire was administered both online and in person to ensure maximum reach and inclusiveness. For the online distribution, a Google Form link was shared through academic WhatsApp groups, student mailing lists, and departmental social media platforms. For the in-person distribution, hard copies of the questionnaire were handed out in lecture halls, laboratories, and during departmental meetings, with the assistance of class representatives. The findings reveal that social media amongst students is a double-edged sword that is predominantly beneficial for academic engagement but with nuanced challenges. Findings show that: (1) institutions should formalize social media’s role in curricula (e.g., promoting academic influencers, and creating collaboration platforms) while addressing distractions through digital literacy training. (2) Targeted support for the minority experiencing anxiety or inadequacy is needed though most respondents navigate social media without significant stress. (3) balanced usage involving mindful consumption is encouraged (e.g., screen-time limits, sleep hygiene). Social media usage has its pros and cons which have a psychological and educational impact. While it enhances access to educational resources and fosters collaborative learning, excessive use can lead to addiction and psychological challenges such as anxiety and depression. Though social media has so many benefits, there’s a need to balance the usage pattern.  It is recommended that future research should explore broader demographics to validate findings.