Academic Social Media Usage, Psycho-Behavioral Responses and Academic Performance in University Students during COVID-19

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to examine the effects of social media use on academic performance and psycho-behavioural responses in university students during COVID-19. According to the study, there is a strong link between academic social media use, psycho-behavioral responses, and academic performance. It was also proposed that academic social media use and psycho-behavioural response could forecast academic success. The study also forecasted gender disparities in academic performance, psycho-behavioural responses, and social media use.

Methodology: In the two government universities in Lahore, 200 students (113 females and 87 males) were polled, using purposive sampling and a quantitative correlation study design. A demographic information sheet, consent form, student learning behaviour scale (Abbas et al., 2019), social networking usage scale (Gupta & Bashir, 2018), and a depression, anxiety, and stress scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) were all included in the questionnaire. The data were examined using Pearson correlation, independent t-tests, and moderation regression analysis. 

Findings: The study found a negative correlation between academic social media usage and performance among university students. It was found that university students' academic performance during COVID-19 was negatively impacted by their use of academic social media. Significant gender-based disparities in psychological reactions like stress, anxiety, and academic performance were also discovered by the study.

Conclusion: These findings can benefit students in making better academic use of social media and aid instructors in better understanding the factors affecting student success.