The Influence of Social Media-Based Islamic Counseling Guidance on the Learning Motivation of Islamic Boarding School (Pesantren) Students

This study investigates the influence of social media-based Islamic counseling guidance on the learning motivation of Islamic boarding school (pesantren) students. The background of the research lies in the increasing role of digital platforms as communication and learning tools, offering new opportunities to strengthen counseling practices within Islamic education. The study aims to examine whether social media counseling can significantly enhance students’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, identify the most effective platforms and methods, and explore students’ acceptance of digital counseling in their religious and educational life. The research employs a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design, involving pesantren students as participants. Data were collected through questionnaires measuring learning motivation, supported by interviews and observations to provide deeper insights. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess differences in motivation levels before and after the intervention of social media-based counseling. The findings reveal that Islamic counseling delivered via digital platforms significantly increases students’ learning motivation. Platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram were found to be most effective for interactive counseling, while Instagram and YouTube supported motivational and educational content dissemination. Furthermore, students expressed strong acceptance of digital counseling, perceiving it as compatible with their religious values and daily routines. This study contributes to the academic discourse in Islamic counseling and educational psychology by offering a framework for integrating Islamic values with modern technology. Practically, it provides teachers, ustadz/ustadzah, and counselors with strategies to enhance motivation through digital platforms. Socially, it highlights the positive role of technology in reinforcing Islamic education, bridging traditional pesantren values with contemporary digital practices.