Like and Subscribe to Yourself: Social Media's Influence on Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students’ Identity Formation

ABSTRACT

Background: The extensive incorporation of social media into the everyday experiences of Generation Z has significantly altered their self-perception and their interactions with their environment. This transformation has generated both concern and curiosity regarding its effects on personal growth and identity formation. Objectives: The research investigated this trend among both undergraduate and postgraduate students by analysing their social media engagement habits and the subsequent influence on different dimensions of their overall well-being. Materials and Methods: A Google Forms survey was conducted with 440 students from Guntur and Vijayawada, including both genders. It aimed to assess social, mental, and physical health, focusing on sleep patterns, stress, diet, and academic performance. The data was analysed using SPSS for descriptive statistics and percentage calculations. Results: Research findings indicated that a significant number of students regularly engaged with social media before sleep, which interfered with their sleep patterns and heightened anxiety associated with the fear of missing out. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that social media also serve as a valuable resource for educational assistance, a medium for personal expression, and a tool for sustaining social relationships. Conclusion: The research reveals that social media plays a dual role in shaping youth identities, acting as both a connector and a disruptor. While it facilitates information sharing and social interaction, overuse can harm mental and physical health. These findings underscore the need for strategies that encourage balanced social media use, maximising benefits while reducing risks.

KEYWORDS

• Social Media
• Millennial
• Students
• Academic Performances
• Mental Health
• Qualitative Research

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

• DOI10.5530/ajbls.20251528Copy

RELATED ARTICLES

Matched on section and article type within this issue of AJBLS.

• Article · VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Meha Mudgara Rasa Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Implications in Diabetic NeuropathyShailesh Deshpande, Meha Gandhi · pp. 574–585Original ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3Assessment of Effect of Comorbidities on Quality of Life of Pancreatitis Patients Using SF36V1Nukabathini Jessica, Danthala Srujana, Mehedi Hasan, Mohd Azharuddin, M. Chinnaeswaraiah · pp. 586–592Original ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3Antibacterial Properties of Cow Urine Collected from a Badri CalfMansi Arya, Shikha Bora, Nagma Parveen, Deepak Chandra Melkani, Gaurav Rawat, Netra Pal Sharma, Satpal Singh Bisht · pp. 593–597Original ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3Evaluation of the Anthelmintic Potential of Pongamia pinnata Root Hydroalcoholic Extract against Tubifex tubifexShaon Dey, Kousik Saha, Urmistha Sarkar, Krishanu Pramanick, Sanjib Manna, Riju Koley, Santanu Manna, Priya Roy · pp. 598–602Original ArticleSame type: Article