THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATIVE LEARNING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

This quantitative study investigates the impact of social media on collaborative learning and social engagement among undergraduate students in Lahore, Pakistan. A sample of 600 students from both public and private universities was selected to explore the usage patterns of popular platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X, and how these affect students’ academic collaboration and interpersonal engagement. The research aims to identify which platforms are most used, the intensity of their use, and how they influence skills such as communication, teamwork, active listening, leadership, and peer relationships. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analysis. Results revealed a significant positive relationship between social media use and both collaborative learning and social engagement. However, certain skills like conflict resolution and student–teacher interaction showed weaker associations. The findings highlight the potential of social media as a supportive tool in enhancing academic interaction, while also emphasizing the need for structured use to prevent distractions and ensure balanced development.