Impact of Social Media Usage on Academic Performance in University students

Background The pervasive integration of social media into the daily lives of undergraduate students raises critical questions about its influence on academic outcomes. While these platforms offer potential educational benefits, their predominant use for leisure may detract from academic success. Objectives This study examines the relationship between social media engagement and academic performance among undergraduates, aiming to inform strategies for mitigating negative effects. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 85 participants (81% response rate). Data were analysed to compare usage patterns, purposes, and self-reported academic impacts across different class standings. Results WhatsApp and Instagram were the most widely used platforms, with 88.2% of students primarily engaging for leisure and only 49.4% for academic purposes. Notably, 81.2% reported that social media affected their studies, and 77.6% spent more time on these platforms than on academic work. Night-time usage was particularly prevalent among second-class students, suggesting potential disruptions to study routines. Despite uniform usage patterns across academic standings, the findings highlight a pervasive tension between social media use and academic focus. Conclusions The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to promote mindful usage and leverage platforms for educational enrichment. Future research should investigate longitudinal effects and evaluate strategies to balance social media consumption with academic priorities.