Every day, millions of students around the world log into social media platforms to find useful study materials, exchange ideas, or simply relax. But do social media platforms truly support the educational process, or do they, on the contrary, distract from important tasks and negatively impact mental health? Let’s explore how social media affects students and what advantages and dangers they may present for modern education.
Today, students actively use social media as a source of information for their educational needs. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit, and others have become essential tools for sharing knowledge and experiences. Students create themed groups where they share lectures, self-study materials, and links to useful resources.
Social media significantly simplifies the learning process. They allow students to access a wide range of materials, organize online discussions, and even conduct group research. This is very convenient because information can be instantly shared with other students and instructors.
Furthermore, social media platforms allow students to quickly get help from classmates or teachers, ask questions, and receive prompt answers. Platforms like Google Classroom or Moodle help students store all their learning materials in one place and organize the learning process.
However, social media can also have a negative impact on students. The biggest problem is distraction. While students try to focus on studying, they are often interrupted by messages and updates from social media. This leads to decreased learning efficiency and delays in completing tasks.
Social Media3 (Sergii Sych)“I often feel that social media takes up a lot of my time. I check messages for a few minutes, and then I can’t stop. It distracts me, and I end up spending more time on tasks than I had planned.” A Mesa student from the technical facility, Irina Smith said.
This issue is confirmed by scientific research. According to a study by Richard Janko (2012), students who actively use social media show lower academic results due to frequent distractions from new messages and posts.
Another issue is the psychological impact of social media. Frequent comparisons with others online can lead to lower self-esteem and stress. Many students see the “perfect life” of their peers on social media trips, successes, and bright moments. This can evoke feelings of inadequacy and even depression.
These psychological consequences are explored in several scientific studies. For example, research by Kowalski and Limber (2013) confirms that frequent use of social media and comparing oneself to others can lead to the development of depression and anxiety disorders among students.
Despite all the drawbacks, social media can become a powerful tool for learning and development if used wisely. Students can set time limits on how much time they spend on social media and take regular breaks to maintain focus on their studies. It is also important to learn not to compare oneself to others and not to let social media affect emotional well-being.
Social media has a significant impact on students’ education. It can greatly enhance the learning process if used correctly and with an understanding of its advantages and disadvantages. However, in order to avoid distractions and preserve mental health, it is important to maintain a balance between learning and time spent on social media. Social media should be a tool for development and education, not a cause of stress or reduced productivity.
