THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

newjournal.org zenodo.org 1 THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE Reyimberdiyeva Mohidil The student of 2407 XTA, 2 course of SamSIFL Abstract :This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how social media platforms influence students’ academic performance in higher education. It explores both the positive and negative aspects of social media usage, emphasizing the role of digital literacy, time management, and self-regulation. The research summarizes data from previous studies and recent surveys to understand the balance between social networking and academic productivity. The findings suggest that social media can serve as a valuable educational tool if used purposefully, but uncontrolled usage often leads to procrastination, distraction, and lower academic achievement. The study highlights the importance of responsible digital engagement for academic and personal development. Key words:Social media,academic performance,students,digital literacy,time management,online learning,educationself-regulation Over the last decade, social media has transformed communication, education, and lifestyle across the world. For university students, platforms like Instagram, Telegram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube have become major tools for interaction, selfexpression, and learning. The influence of social media on students’ academic life is complex — it can enhance knowledge sharing and learning motivation, but also reduce focus and productivity if misused. In the digital learning environment, social media allows students to participate in online discussions, attend virtual lectures, and access digital libraries. It encourages collaboration, improves technological skills, and makes learning more engaging. However, the same platforms often lead to dependency, multitasking, and reduced newjournal.org zenodo.org 2 attention span. Many educators express concern that students are spending more time online chatting and watching videos than studying. Therefore, this research aims to analyze both the constructive and harmful effects of social media on students’ academic outcomes and provide recommendations for healthy and effective online learning habits. Numerous researchers have investigated the effects of social media on education. According to Junco (2012), moderate use of social media can strengthen students’ communication skills and engagement in academic activities. Similarly, Tess (2013) noted that educational uses of social media — such as joining study groups or following online lectures — contribute to better academic understanding. However, several studies have warned of the negative consequences. Kirschner and Karpinski (2010) found that excessive use of Facebook was linked to lower GPA among university students. Their research suggested that constant notifications and multitasking interrupt concentration and memory processes. Paul, Baker, and Cochran (2012) also emphasized that students who frequently check their social media accounts often face difficulty managing time effectively. Moreover, Lau (2017) argued that the type of activity determines the outcome — using social media for educational purposes leads to positive results, while using it purely for entertainment decreases performance. Studies in developing countries (e.g., Nigeria, India, and Uzbekistan) confirm that limited digital awareness and poor self-control are key reasons for academic underperformance. Overall, the literature agrees that the influence of social media depends on how, when, and why it is used. This research employs a qualitative and quantitative approach, analyzing data collected through online questionnaires and existing academic sources. Participants: 100 university students (aged 18–23) from different faculties participated voluntarily. Instruments: A digital survey measured daily social media usage, study hours, and academic results. newjournal.org zenodo.org 3 Data Analysis: Results were compared to determine correlations between time spent on social media and academic performance. Additionally, interviews were conducted with five teachers to gain expert insights on how social media affects students’ learning behavior. The methodology aimed to identify behavioral patterns, learning strategies, and the degree of digital dependence among students in higher education. The analysis showed that 68% of students use social media for academic purposes such as accessing e-books, watching tutorials, and discussing assignments through group chats. These students reported higher motivation and collaboration skills. However, 32% admitted using social media mainly for entertainment — watching short videos or chatting late at night — which led to procrastination, sleep deprivation, and lower grades. Teachers reported that excessive phone use during classes negatively affected students’ concentration. Furthermore, students who checked their social media every 15–20 minutes were more likely to miss deadlines and experience stress. Interestingly, the study revealed gender-based differences: female students were more likely to use social media for educational communication, while male students tended to engage more in online gaming and entertainment. Despite these negative trends, the majority of respondents acknowledged that social media helped them discover online learning platforms (Coursera, Khan Academy, YouTube, etc.) and improved their digital competence. Thus, the effect of social media is not entirely harmful — it depends on self-discipline and purposeful usage. The research concludes that social media has a dual influence on students’ academic performance. When used wisely, it encourages creativity, collaboration, and global communication, making learning more interactive and flexible. However, uncontrolled usage causes distraction, addiction, and poor academic performance. To maximize the benefits of social media, students should: newjournal.org zenodo.org 4  Set clear limits on daily screen time;  Use social platforms for educational purposes, not just entertainment;  Participate in online academic communities;  Develop digital literacy and time management skills. Universities should also integrate social media into teaching strategies by creating official learning groups, online discussions, and virtual mentorship programs. Educators can guide students to use these tools effectively, turning social media from a distraction into a source of academic excellence. Used Literature 1. Junco, R. (2012). The relationship between frequency of Facebook use, participation in Facebook activities, and student engagement. Computers & Education, 58(1), 162– 171. 2. Kirschner, P. A., & Karpinski, A. C. (2010). Facebook® and academic performance. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(6), 1237–1245. 3. Tess, P. A. (2013). The role of social media in higher education classes (real and virtual) — A literature review. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(5), A60–A68. 4. Lau, W. W. F. (2017). Effects of social media usage and multitasking on the academic performance of university students. Computers in Human Behavior, 68, 286–291. 5. Paul, J. A., Baker, H. M., & Cochran, J. D. (2012). Effect of online social networking on student academic performance. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(6), 2117–2127.