Time Spent on Social Media and its Impact on Academic Performance: Evidence from University Students in Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the use of social media influences on the academic performance of university students at the University of Sargodha in Pakistan, and in particular, the impact of social media on study habits, attendance, assignments, and academic performance in general. Social media has altered the learning and interaction of young people, bringing both opportunities and challenges in higher education. Its widespread adoption by students has brought issues of distraction, time management, and deteriorating academic performance, but it is also allowing collaboration and sharing of information. The quantitative design of the research was applied based on a structured questionnaire given to 122 university students using a method of convenience sampling. The Chi-square test was applied in analyzing the data to determine the relationship between the use of social media and academic performance. The results indicated that there was a statistically significant correlation between social media use and academic performance (2 = 234.622, 12, p =.001), according to which the use of social media leads to a decrease in concentration and academic achievements. Educators and policymakers are urged to lead a balanced, intentional, and goal-driven social media use to facilitate digital literacy, collaborative learning, and academic interaction.