Predictive Mobile App for Student-Based Platforms on Social Engagement within a College Community

Students transitioning into a post-secondary education face challenges physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Many struggle to connect with peers in this new environment, impacting their sense of belonging and mental health. This is especially for students who miss out on in-person activities such as orientation, struggle to talk to new people, or begin school later than their peers. Additionally, students have various schedules, such as commuters who spend their time off campus and miss social activities or students not involved in clubs or school events. The COVID-19 pandemic has further reshaped the educational and social landscape, solidifying technology as a means of learning and socialization. In this digital era, online platforms can enhance student engagement, both academically and socially. FlightMU - College Friend Finder is an online platform developed to help students at Messiah University create social connections by broadening potential friendships beyond physical interactions and facilitating communication. This article will examine FlightMU’s impact on student social engagement by analyzing how the platform fosters connections and enhances social experiences in a post-secondary setting.