IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON EDUCATION: EXPLORING ITS ROLE IN LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT

Social media has significantly transformed various aspects of society, and education is no exception. This study explores the impact of social media on undergraduate students’, highlighting its role in learning and engagement. The frequent use of platforms like WhatsApp Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and educational forums has created new avenues for interaction, collaboration, and information sharing among students and educators. Social media provides a dynamic learning environment, enabling students to access educational content, participate in online discussions, and engage in peer learning beyond traditional classroom settings. The sample for the present study is fifty undergraduate students from different curses. The findings reveal that YouTube is very often used for academic purposes. While WhatsApp is majorly useful for academic discussions and collaborations. However, the study also examines the drawbacks, such as the potential for distractions, the concern for quality content, the spread of misinformation, and its role in fostering passive learning behaviours. The research emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to integrate social media into educational practices effectively. The participants suggest that social media can enhance engagement to prepare for competitive exams and provide opportunities to connect with the people of expertise. By understanding both the benefits and challenges, students can create strategies to optimize social media for academic success and engagement in the digital age.