VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL −−−−−−−−−− RESEARCH REPORT STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS A case study
INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………… 1.1 Foundation of the study …………………………………………………… 1.2 Objectives ………………………………………………………………… 1.3 Research questions ………………………………………………………… 1.4 Scope of the study ………………………………………………………… 1.5 Significance of the study …………………………………………………… 1.6 Organization of the study
INTRODUCTION 1.1 Foundation of the study
Social media has become an increasingly ubiquitous aspect of modern life, with individuals of all ages and backgrounds utilizing these platforms for a variety of purposes Among college students, social media has become an essential means of communication, socialization, and entertainment However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of social media use on academic performance Despite these concerns, there remains a lack of comprehensive research exploring the relationship between social media use and academic performance among college students.
Therefore, the rationale for this study is to investigate the relationship between social media use and academic performance among college students The study aims to fill a significant gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the impact of social media use on academic performance The findings of this study will be essential for educators, parents, and students themselves in developing effective strategies to minimize the negative impact of social media on academic success.
Overall, this study is necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between social media use and academic performance among college students The findings of this study will be valuable in developing effective interventions to reduce the negative impact of social media on academic success.
1 Exploring the correlation between college students' social media usage and their academic achievements.
2 Analyzing the frequency and length of time college students spend on social media platforms and how it affects their academic success.
3 Investigating the various ways in which social media usage can hinder academic performance, including distractions and decreased study hours.
4 Examining potential factors that could moderate the connection between social media use and academic success, such as gender, age, and field of study.
5 Offering suggestions to educators, parents, and students on how to use social media responsibly and implement strategies to mitigate its adverse effects on academic performance.
Understanding the relationship between social media use and academic performance in college students is crucial This research aims to identify the underlying mechanisms and moderating factors influencing this correlation The findings will empower educators, parents, and students to develop effective strategies that minimize the negative impact of social media on academic endeavors and enhance student success.
1 What are students' perceptions of the impact of social networks on academic performance?
2 What are the most frequently visited social networking sites by students?
3 For what reasons do students utilize their preferred social media platforms?
4 Is there a correlation between social media usage and academic achievement in college students?
5 How do the frequency and length of time spent on social media affect the academic performance of college students?
6 What are the possible ways in which social media usage could influence academic performance, including distractions and decreased study time?
The primary objective of these research inquiries is to explore the correlation between the utilization of social media platforms and academic achievement, along with identifying the potential underlying mechanisms and moderating variables that could impact this correlation. Additionally, the study seeks to propose suggestions for implementing efficient tactics to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on academic progress.
This research aims to explore the influence of social media usage on the academic performance of students enrolled in VNU-IS Specifically, the study will concentrate on a diverse group of International School students from various academic fields and investigate the correlation between their social media usage and academic achievements Additionally,the research will delve into the potential mechanisms and moderating factors that may affect this relationship.
To collect data on social media usage, study habits, and academic performance, the study will employ a survey methodology The survey will be administered to a sample of 100 college students representing different academic disciplines Through regression analysis, the collected data will be analyzed to identify the association between social media usage and academic performance.
The outcomes of this study will hold significant value for educators, parents, and students themselves as they strive to develop effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on academic success Furthermore, this research will contribute to a broader comprehension of how social media impacts cognitive processes, including attention and memory.
This study holds great significance as it seeks to explore the correlation between social media usage and academic performance among college students The findings of this study will prove invaluable to educators, parents, and students alike, as it will aid in the development of effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on academic success.
Educators will particularly benefit from this study, as it will offer valuable insights into the potential detrimental impact of social media on students' academic performance These findings can inform the creation of educational programs and interventions that aim to foster responsible social media usage and minimize its negative consequences on academic achievement.
Moreover, parents will find this study significant, as it will enable them to comprehend the potential risks associated with excessive social media usage Armed with this knowledge, parents can take proactive measures to monitor and regulate their children's social media activities Additionally, the study can provide guidance on effective communication strategies for parents to engage with their children regarding responsible social media usage.
Lastly, students themselves stand to benefit from this study, as it can offer them valuable insights into the potential adverse effects of social media on their academic performance By understanding these implications, students can develop effective strategies to strike a balance between their social media engagement and their academic responsibilities, ultimately enhancing their overall academic success.
This study is divided into five chapters as follows:
LITERATURE OVERVIEW ………………………………………… 2.1 The concept of social media ………………………………………………… 2.2 The concept of social networking …………………………………………… 2.3 Theoretical framework …………… ….…………………………………… 2.4 Effects and gains of social media for students ……………….……………… 2.5 Rationale of study
discussing the current issue, presenting the paper's goals and objectives, and highlighting the importance and scope of the study.
Chapter II: Literature Review, which is intended to give a theoretical basis on the impact of social media on academic performance, explain the main concepts, pinpoint the research gap and examine relevant historical studies from both Vietnam and around the globe.
Chapter III: Methodology, which provides information to readers about the participants, the instruments and the data collection and analysis techniques.
Chapter IV: Results and Findings, which describes how the data was collected and interpreted based on the research questions
Chapter V: Conclusion and Recommendations, which provides an overview of major findings of the study, explores its limitations, points out its limitations, and makes recommendations for further research.
LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 The Concept of Social Media
Social media platforms and tools facilitate user-generated content creation, sharing, and exchange They foster connections, information dissemination, and online community participation, enabling individuals to interact and engage with others in virtual spaces.
Social media refers to a variety of technologies that facilitate the sharing of ideas and information among their users [1] From Facebook and Instagram to X platform (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, more than 4.7 billion people use social media, equal to roughly 60% of the world's population [2]
Social media platforms have ascended to prominence, captivating millions of users who harness their capabilities daily As defined by Andreas and Michael (2010), these platforms facilitate seamless connections, collaborations, and communication Notably, user-generated content is the lifeblood of social media, sparking interactions and driving engagement among its vast user base.
Social media is a complex and dynamic concept that has become an integral part of modern life While social media has many benefits, it is important to be aware of its potential negative impact and to use these platforms responsibly.
2.2 The Concept of Social Networking
Social networking encompasses the utilization of online platforms to foster connections between individuals with shared affinities, experiences, or aspirations These platforms facilitate the creation of online profiles, enabling users to disseminate information and interact with others via diverse communication channels, including messaging, commenting, and content posting.
With the pervasiveness of social media, marketers recognize its immense potential for customer engagement As of February 1, 2023, Facebook stands as the dominant social networking platform, boasting a remarkable 2 billion daily users This unparalleled reach presents a prime opportunity for brands to interact with their target audience and build meaningful connections.
Overall, social networking is a dynamic and complex concept that has both positive and negative aspects While social networking can provide many benefits, it is important to be aware of its potential negative impact and to use these platforms responsibly.
The Uses and Gratifications theory serve as the foundational framework for this study The uses and gratifications theory posits that people utilize media for distinct purposes, including entertainment, socializing, and seeking information (Katz et al 1974) [21] This theory can provide insights into the relationship between social media and academic performance by shedding light on why students utilize social media for academic activities, including information seeking, peer collaboration, and interaction with educational content.
The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) [22] proposes that individuals' reactions to stressors are shaped by their evaluation of the stressor and their ability to cope with it When applied to the realm of social media, this model provides insight into how excessive usage of social media can result in stress and diversion, ultimately affecting academic achievement in an adverse manner.
The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) suggests that individuals' usage of technology depends on their perceived usefulness and usability Applied to social media and academic achievement, TAM explains that students' academic success can be influenced by how they perceive social media as a beneficial and accessible educational tool.
In general, the uses and gratifications theory offer a theoretical foundation for comprehending the possible adverse effects of social media on the academic performance of college students. Through an examination of these theoretical frameworks, this research seeks to enhance our comprehension of the mechanisms that drive this connection and to pinpoint successful approaches for mitigating the detrimental effects of social media on academic achievement.
2.4 Effects and Gains of Social Media for Students
Social media plays a crucial role in the lives of students, providing numerous advantages It facilitates communication, enabling students to easily connect with their peers and educators, share information, and work together on assignments Popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have transformed the way students engage with one another [4]
In addition, social media can function as a knowledge hub for students Many students acquire information and stay informed about current events through various social media channels. They also utilize these platforms to clarify their queries on different subjects [5]
Furthermore, social media can enhance students' academic performance and satisfaction. Research indicates a positive relationship between utilizing social media for collaborative learning and students' educational achievements [6]
Social media addiction is a significant concern among students, leading to detrimental effects Excessive social media use can result in inadequate sleep, eye strain, and distorted body perception Moreover, it can lead to substantial time wastage, hindering students' ability to fulfill their academic obligations effectively.
Another worry is the spread of false information The authenticity and reliability of information shared on social media platforms can sometimes be questionable, leading to misinformation [8]
Cyberbullying is yet another significant issue linked to social media use The consequences of cyberbullying can be severe, causing emotional, psychological, and even physical harm to those involved [8]
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.…………………………………… 3.1 Research design and approach ……………………………………………… 3.2 Participants and sampling method …………………………………………… 3.3 Data collection instruments …………… …………………………………… 3.4 Data analysis methods
A methodological research design will be employed to examine the influence of social media on students' academic performance.
The research design adopted for this study was a data collection method consisting of surveys and questionnaires administered to students at higher education institutions This method aimed to collect data on students' perceptions of social media, their usage, and the perceived impact on their academic performance.
The quantitative aspect of the study will leverage a survey questionnaire to gather data from a diverse sample of students across academic disciplines and levels The survey aims to quantify social media usage patterns, including frequency, duration, and preferred platforms Additionally, it will assess the perceived impact of social media on students' academic achievements Employing a Likert scale, the survey will measure respondents' agreement or disagreement with statements relevant to the research question, providing valuable insights into the relationship between social media habits and academic outcomes.
In conclusion, these methods of research design will provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of social media on the academic performance of students The findings of the study will inform policy and practice related to social media use among students and contribute to the existing literature on the topic.
The research will encompass 100 students from various academic disciplines and levels in International schools To ensure a convenient selection process, a convenience sampling method will be employed, allowing for easy access to the target population.
To gather information, a Google form will be distributed to students via social media platforms The students will be fully informed about the study's purpose, the methods of data collection, and their rights as participants.
Participation in this research study is purely voluntary, and informed consent from each participant is essential prior to involvement The consent form comprehensively details the study's objectives, data collection methodologies, and rigorous measures implemented to safeguard the confidentiality and anonymity of participants.
The inclusion criteria for the study will consist of college students who actively use social media platforms, are willing to participate, and have obtained consent from their parents or legal guardians Conversely, students who do not use social media platforms or fail to provide informed consent will be excluded from the study.
To summarize, the research will encompass a convenience sample of 100 students at International School across various academic fields and grades The sample size will be established through a power analysis to guarantee sufficient statistical power, and involvement in the research will be based on voluntary participation Ethical research standards will be upheld throughout the study, which includes obtaining informed consent from participants and safeguarding their rights and well-being.
In order to examine the influence of social media on the academic performance of college students, the study will employ the utilization of a survey questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument This survey questionnaire will gather quantitative data pertaining to the frequency and duration of social media usage, the specific social media platforms utilized, and the subsequent impact on academic performance To effectively gauge the participants' perspectives, the survey will be constructed using Likert scale questions, enabling the measurement of agreement or disagreement with specific statements related to the research problem The administration of the survey will be conducted either online or in-person, depending on the participants' individual preferences.
In this research, various statistical analysis methods including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis will be employed to analyze the data obtained from the survey These methods will offer valuable insights into the connections between variables and the trends that are evident in the data.
Diagnostic analysis involves analyzing data in order to identify patterns and correlations among variables, with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of how students perceive the influence of social media on their academic performance.
In the context of the influence of social media on academic achievement, inferential analysis assumes a vital function in deriving conclusions and making projections from data It entails utilizing a subset of data to draw inferences or predictions about a broader population.
Correlation analysis will be conducted to explore the relationships between variables For example, it will be used to investigate whether there is a correlation between students' attitudes towards online learning and their academic performance Correlation analysis will assist in identifying any significant links between variables.
The use of statistical analysis methods as above is appropriate to analyze survey data These techniques can provide valuable insights into the relationships between variables and patterns present in the data However, it is necessary to complement these methods with other qualitative data analysis techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research question.
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION …………………………… 4.1 Analysis …………………………………………………………………… 4.2 Discussion
The findings of the study are presented here in accordance with the research questions earlier prepared for the study.
Chart 1 Gender of the respondents
Chart 1 indicates a predominant male representation among respondents (55%), with females accounting for 39% and 6% preferring not to disclose their gender This data aligns with global social media audience gender distributions, where men comprise approximately 53.6% and women 46.4%.
Chart 2 Ages of the respondents
Chart 2 shows that 76% of the respondents are between the ages of 19-22 years, 16% of the respondents are between the ages of 23-25 years, only 5% of the respondents are below 18 years while 3% of the respondents are above the ages of 25 years This means that most respondents were between the ages of 19-24 That is consistent with survey results in the United States, 90% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 used social networks as of February 2019 [16]
Chart 3 Favorite social media platforms.
From Chart 3 respondents gave the following as their favorite social media sites Facebook 72 represents 72%, Instagram 84 representing 84%, Youtube 66 representing 66%, Tiktok with
In 2023, Instagram leads the Indian social media landscape with 74.70% of internet users and 516.92 million active users Its popularity is driven by younger demographics, making it a lucrative platform for businesses Facebook follows as the second most popular network with 71.20% of internet users, a testament to its continued relevance for individuals, businesses, and political entities Together, Instagram and Facebook account for 44% and 53% of social media users in India, highlighting their dominance.
Chart 4 The most used device for social network discovery
From the result in Chart 4 above, 78% of students use Smartphones to explore social media while Laptop scored 63% The chart also shows that the students have less preference for Desktop Computers and Ipad with 32% and 28% respectively There are currently over 6.5 billion smartphones worldwide - a number that’s projected to increase in the coming years In fact, worldwide smartphone sales grew a considerable 10.8% in 2021 alone [18] That means there are more people with access to social media than ever before.
Chart 5 Time spent on social media sites per day.
When respondents were asked how much time they spent on their social media sites, 8 of the respondents representing 8% indicated that they spent thirty minutes to one hour, 24 respondents representing 24% spent more than 5 hours, 32 respondents representing 32% spent between four to five hours and the last group of 36 respondents representing 36% said they spent between two to three hours a day on the social media sites It is important to note that the relationship between the use of social media and academic performance is complex and the impact can vary from one person to another When it comes to social media, the
"typical" internet user spends almost 2ẵ hours each day on various platforms This represents approximately 35.8 % of their overall Internet activity each day In terms of perspective, the world spends around 720 billion minutes a day on social media The most frequent time spent on social media is by women aged 16 to 24, with an average of around three hours a day [19]
Chart 6:Frequency of using social networks for learning purposes.
According to Chart 6, the majority of students use social networks for educational purposes at a frequency which is Always, Often and Sometimes with 38%, 31% and 25% respectively.
On the other hand, only a small fraction of them had chosen Rarely and Never, or six percent in total It implies that their academic performance is improved when they use social media as a means of educational purposes In addition, Social Learning Infographics research shows that 96% of students with Internet access use social networking technologies, 59% of students use social networks to talk about online learning topics, 50% of students use social networks to talk about online learning topics, and 50% of students use social networking technologies to talk about online learning topics The topics of online education, in particular the subject of homework, were discussed by a majority of students [20]
Table 1.Students Respond on the Usage of Social Media for Academic Related Purposes.
Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly
I participate in scholarly conversations on social media
I utilize social media as a means to exchange information with my peers in my class.
I depend exclusively on information obtained from social media for assignments, without referring to any other sources.
I stay updated on the most recent advancements in my field by utilizing social media.
I utilize social media as a tool to gain a better understanding of the topics covered in my classroom lectures.
Instructors encourage the use of social media as an integral part of the assignment.
I communicate with the lecturer through social media.
Based on the information provided in Table 1, it is evident that a considerable percentage of respondents who chose the agree options demonstrated a firm consensus with the aforementioned statements when evaluated through a Likert scale This scale measures the degree to which individuals concur or differ with a set of statements.
“I participate in scholarly conversations on social media platforms”: The high level of agreement among survey participants suggests that social networking platforms are valuable tools for academic discussions, with nearly 70% of respondents supporting this idea This highlights the growing importance of social media in promoting learning and democratizing access to information for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
“I utilize social media as a means to exchange information with my peers in my class” :In this context, it is evident that 70% of the participants concur or strongly concur, indicating that social media serves as a prevalent platform for exchanging information among peers in academic environments.
“I depend exclusively on information obtained from social media for assignments, without referring to any other sources.”: This statement presents a response that is more evenly distributed Although a majority of 53% of the participants agree or strongly agree, a notable proportion of 23% disagree or strongly disagree, and 24% remain neutral This indicates that while social media serves as an information outlet for assignments, it is not the sole source for a considerable number of respondents.
Utilizing social media platforms has emerged as a crucial avenue for professionals to remain abreast of industry advancements A substantial 65% of professionals acknowledge the significant role social media plays in facilitating their access to up-to-date information within their respective fields.
“I utilize social media as a tool to gain a better understanding of the topics covered in my classroom lectures”: The data reveals that 62% of the survey takers are in agreement or strong agreement with the notion that social media is utilized to enhance classroom learning.
Social media utilization in assignments is supported by some instructors, as indicated by the survey responses While 58% of participants voiced agreement or strong agreement, 16% expressed disagreement or strong disagreement, leaving 26% neutral This implies that while some instructors value social media integration, it is not a ubiquitous practice.
“I communicate with the lecturer through social media.”: The utilization of social media as a communication channel between students and lecturers appears to be prevalent, with 64% of participants expressing agreement or strong agreement regarding their engagement with lecturers through these platforms.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ……………………… 5.1 Conclusion ………… …………….………………………………………… 5.2 Recommendations
Social media has become an essential part of students' daily lives, serving as a key technological tool for communication and learning Platforms like Facebook andInstagram are popular among students for connecting with peers, while YouTube is also utilized for educational purposes.
Additionally, social media allows students to access a wealth of information and resources that can enhance their learning experience Many educational institutions have embraced social media as a means of sharing important updates, events, and resources with students Teachers can also use social media platforms to engage with students outside of the classroom, providing additional support and guidance.
Furthermore, social media can help students develop important digital literacy skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration By navigating various social media platforms, students can learn how to discern credible sources, communicate effectively with others, and collaborate on group projects.
In addition, social media can also provide students with opportunities to connect with experts, professionals, and other students from around the world Through platforms like LinkedIn, students can network with industry professionals and potential mentors, gaining valuable insights and advice for their future careers Social media can also facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among students, allowing them to work on projects with peers from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Moreover, social media can be a powerful tool for self-expression and creativity. Students can use platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to showcase their talents, share their thoughts and ideas, and build a personal brand This can help students develop their communication skills, build confidence, and explore their interests in a public forum.
Social media has significantly transformed student engagement, communication, and learning It offers a host of benefits when used judiciously and responsibly Students can leverage social media platforms to enhance their academic experiences, foster collaboration, and access a wealth of educational resources However, it is crucial for students to maintain a healthy balance between their online and academic endeavors By striking this equilibrium, they can optimize their social media usage, reap its advantages, and avoid potential pitfalls that may hinder their academic progress.
In today's digital era, social media has seamlessly integrated into our everyday routines,particularly among students These online platforms serve as avenues for communication,engagement, and knowledge sharing; however, their influence on academic achievement remains a subject of continuous discussion While certain research indicates that social media can boost educational outcomes and success, contrasting viewpoints highlight its possible drawbacks, including diversion, dependency, and scholastic deterioration Consequently, comprehending the effects of social media on students' academic performance is essential for educators, guardians, and decision-makers to devise impactful measures and guidance.
1 Monitor Social Media Usage: Excessive social media consumption has the potential to adversely affect students' academic performance Hence, it is advisable for parents, educators, and student advisors to supervise and regulate students' social media activities to prevent misuse and ensure that it does not hinder their academic obligations.
2 Promote Academic Use of Social Media: When utilized effectively, social media can serve as a valuable educational tool Students who engage in academic-related discussions on social media platforms tend to exhibit improved academic performance Consequently, educational institutions should encourage the utilization of social media for academic purposes, such as facilitating group collaborations, discussions, and information sharing.
To foster academic success through social media, educational institutions should implement awareness programs that educate students about its potential benefits and drawbacks These programs guide students on leveraging social media platforms effectively for academic purposes, ensuring they can harness the potential advantages while mitigating potential risks.
4 Encourage Healthy Social Media Habits: The development of unhealthy social media habits can detrimentally impact students' academic achievements Therefore, it is crucial to foster healthy social media practices among students, which may involve establishing specific timeframes for social media engagement, incorporating regular breaks, and utilizing social media as a reward for completing academic tasks.
5 Leverage Social Media for Open Learning: Social media platforms offer a conducive environment for open learning, enabling students to easily communicate, interact, and collaborate with their peers Educational institutions should harness these platforms to create open learning environments that can positively influence students' academic performance.
6 Consider Individual Differences: The influence of social media on academic performance can vary depending on individual dissimilarities, such as personality traits Therefore, personalized approaches should be taken into account when providing guidance on social media usage for academic purposes.
7 Advocating for Social Media Utilization in Information Acquisition: Social media serves as a valuable resource for gathering information, aiding in enhancing students' academic achievements and expanding their knowledge base It is advisable to motivate students to utilize social media platforms for information gathering related to their assignments and projects.
8 Balance in Social Media Engagement and Other Pursuits: Excessive engagement with social media can result in a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, indirectly impacting academic performance Therefore, students should be advised to strike a balance between their social media usage and other activities, such as engaging in physical exercise, pursuing hobbies, and participating in face-to-face social interactions.
To summarize, although social media can pose challenges to students' academic performance, it also holds immense potential for enriching their learning experience if utilized effectively.