THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SHAPING COLLEGE STUDENTS' AWARENESS OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

This study investigates the impact of social media on the awareness and knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among Bulacan State University Social Studies majors. Using a quantitative method, the research surveyed 134 students to investigate their exposure to SDG content, their social media platforms of choice, and the efficacy of various content types in enhancing their understanding. Descriptive statistics and correlation methods were used to analyze the data. Findings indicate that although students possess a moderate level of knowledge regarding the SDGs, their interaction with content related to them varies. Short videos and infographics proved to be the most successful in engaging students' attention and increasing their knowledge. Yet, using social media as the sole source of SDG education is more likely to promote passive learning than developing greater knowledge. These findings highlight the need to embed SDG education into the traditional curriculum, boosting digital literacy and using interdisciplinary instructional methods to capitalize on the potential of social media in education. While its findings are positive, the research is not without its limitations. It is limited to one university and relies on self-reported information, which could have introduced bias. Long-term implications and comparison across institutions would make for useful research in the future. The research provides important feedback for educators, policymakers, and institutions on effective use of social media for enhancing SDG awareness and engagement among higher education.