How does social media use

affect academic performance?

EPY 2040
Tyrone English
General Information
● A 2018 study by Pew Research Center found that

○ 95% of teens today either have a smartphone or access to one

○ 45% of teens admit to being online on a near constant basis

● Scope of individual social media use is increasing

○ Less grounded in socioeconomic status

○ More platforms

● Teens are beginning to spend more time on screen than off screen
Psychological Effects

● The rise of smartphones in teen’s lives has been proved to increase feelings of uselessness,

dissatisfaction, and unhappiness (Harvard GSE)

● Despite a wide array of negative emotions, 70% of teens describe their use of social media using only

positive descriptors (Harvard GSE)

● Several former social media developers have admitted to making apps purposely addictive and

habit-forming (BBC)
Writing Activity
● Given the Definition of Addiction, do you consider social media
use addicting? If so, which apps in particular and how do you
recommend curbing this addiction?
○ Write 1-2 paragraphs
Addiction-Addiction is a brain disorder
characterized by compulsive engagement in
rewarding stimuli despite adverse
consequences.
Disruption of Study Habits
● Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Study

● 372 University students surveyed

○ ⅓ of students indicated that social media affected their ability to submit their

assignments on time

○ ¾ of students admitted that they consistently lose sleep because of social media

use

○ More than half of students indicated that social media use has decreased the

amount of time they review lecture notes

Fear of Failure

● Exposure to the success of other students increases self doubt

● Students are trading the stress associated with coursework for instant positive stimuli

and gratification

● Social Media also offers the illusion of control

● The less effort put into work the less shame students feel
Procrastination

● Between 70 and 90 percent of college students engage in academically related

procrastination

● Heavily linked to lack of self regulation, anxiety, and low self efficacy

● Healthy study breaks can easily become hours long

● Creates a cycle of guilt and anxiety

Discussion Question!
On a weekly basis, how often does social media prolong
the amount of time it takes to complete coursework?
What strategies do you use to negate these effects?
How to Limit Negative Effects of Social
Media
● Download apps that help limit screen time

○ ZenScreen

○ BreakFree

● Remember take progress day by day

● Don’t study in close proximity to your phone/shut phone off while studying

● Light meditation
How to Limit Negative Effects of Social
Media
● Keep follower count to a manageable level

● Focus on mastery and improvement

● Practice mindfulness while doing course work or revision

○ Self-talk

○ Reflect on knowledge gained

● Be very mindful of your own friends

Discussion Question

In groups of 3 or less, discuss ways in which you limit phone use while studying or
doing coursework and brainstorm strategies that can help you become a more
efficient worker in the future
References
Anderson, M., & Jiang, J. (2019, December 31). Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018. Retrieved from

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/

Andersson, H. (2018, July 4). Social media apps are 'deliberately' addictive to users. Retrieved from

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44640959

Ezeji, P., & Ezeji, K. (2018). Effect of Social Media on the Study Habits of Students of Alvan Ikoku Federal

College of Education, Owerri . World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International

Journal of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, 12(1), 1–5.

Seli, H. (n.d.). Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success: A Focus on Self-Regulated Learning

(5th ed.). Routledge.

The Ups and Downs of Social Media. (2018, May 16). Retrieved from