Social Media in Education: Trends, Roles, Challenges, and Opportunities for Digital-Native Generations – A Systematic Literature Review

Social media has emerged as a potent facilitator of educational engagement, promoting interaction, dissemination of information, and collaborative efforts.This study uses bibliometric analysis within PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to examine social media's educational impact, focusing on utilization trends and identifying challenges and opportunities for pedagogical integration.With 60.6% of the global populace active on social media platforms for over two hours daily, its significance in education, particularly among digital natives, is underscored.Platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are highlighted for their educational potential.The research stresses the importance of responsible usage, digital literacy, and parental oversight to address associated risks like addiction, privacy breaches, identity theft, exposure to unsuitable content, and cyberbullying.It posits social media's capacity to revolutionize educational experiences, emphasizing the need for its strategic inclusion in teaching methodologies.The study suggests that future research will guide educators and students in effective social media integration at various educational levels.This work provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and scholars, contributing to the ongoing discourse on the role of social media in education.It emphasizes the importance of informed and effective pedagogical practices.