PERSPEKTIFNUSANTARA.COM– Imagine sitting in a lecture hall where dozens of students are physically present, yet many are mentally somewhere else. Some are scrolling through TikTok, others are checking Instagram stories, and a few are waiting for notifications to appear on their screens. This situation has become increasingly common in universities around the world. In a generation where online attention is often treated as a form of social currency, many students are caught between two competing goals: gaining knowledge and gaining likes. While social media provides opportunities for communication, creativity, and learning, excessive use is increasingly affecting students’ academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being.
The popularity of social media among young people has reached unprecedented levels. According to Eurostat, more than 89% of young people aged 16–29 in the European Union used social media regularly in 2025. This figure highlights how deeply these platforms have become integrated into daily life. Social media is no longer just a tool for entertainment; it influences how students communicate, spend their free time, and even evaluate themselves. The problem begins when the desire for online engagement becomes more important than activities that contribute to personal growth and education.
One of the most noticeable consequences of excessive social media use is its effect on academic performance. Many students struggle to focus because they constantly switch between studying and checking their phones. A common example can be seen in libraries or study spaces. Students often open Instagram or TikTok intending to take a short break, but what starts as five minutes can easily become an hour of scrolling. By the time they return to their assignments, their concentration has been disrupted and valuable study time has been lost. Frequent interruptions make it harder to absorb information, complete tasks efficiently, and develop a deeper understanding of course material.
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The problem does not stop there. During lectures and group discussions, many students divide their attention between classroom activities and social media notifications. Instead of actively participating, they become passive observers. As a result, important learning opportunities are missed. Universities invest significant resources in creating meaningful educational experiences, but those efforts become less effective when students are distracted by their digital devices.
Social media also affects students’ social lives. Although these platforms are designed to connect people, they can weaken face-to-face communication skills. Many students feel more comfortable interacting through messages and comments than through direct conversations. Over time, this can reduce opportunities to develop empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence. A student may have hundreds or even thousands of followers online yet struggle to maintain meaningful friendships in real life. The appearance of constant connection can therefore hide feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Another concern is the growing pressure to seek validation online. Many students unconsciously measure their self-worth through likes, comments, shares, and views. Instead of enjoying experiences for their own sake, they focus on how those experiences will appear on social media. This mindset encourages people to prioritize online approval over genuine enjoyment and personal fulfillment.
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A clear example can be seen during concerts and public events. Imagine a student attending a live performance by a favorite artist. Rather than fully experiencing the music and atmosphere, they spend much of the event recording videos for social media. Their attention shifts from the performance itself to creating content that may attract engagement later. After the concert, the success of the evening is judged not by the memories created but by the number of likes and views received online. In this way, digital validation begins to replace authentic experiences.
