Hi, welcome back to my blog post. My inquiry question for this project, as stated above, is: How does social media negatively affect students’ work habits and their academic performances? In this blog I will be focusing on and getting a better understanding of “what features of social media harm students?”
Social media can look harmless; however, research shows how many of its features can negatively affect students’ learning, mental health, and daily habits. Especially with its high use rates of about 5.24 billion people worldwide (as of 2025), it’s good to know how it can lead to disadvantages and distractions that can cost your future. (4)
For example, infinite scrolling keeps students online longer because it provides continuous content, which leads to continuous engagement, making it easy to lose track of time. (7) There are lots of things that can lead to scrolling, such as the algorithm-driven feeds like the “For You” page that shows personalized content for the individual, which keeps them occupied for long periods of time (1). Another feature that leads to scrolling is short-form videos, which are engaging because they are quick. These videos capture our attention easily as they basically summarize specific content in less than 3 minutes, appealing people with shorter attention spans. (2) This makes it harder for students to stop watching them because they think that it won’t take up much time or that they will stop soon since it’s “short.” (3) At the same time, push notifications like messages or newly published content constantly interrupt one’s attention as they draw users onto the screen with their clingy and loud sounds to notify the individual from their homepage without showing the full message or subject, which lures the person into opening the app. (2) Speaking about notifications, these can also be social media metrics like followers, comments, and likes from posts or videos. These metrics allow users to interact with content and receive feedback from others. This encourages them to keep on checking the app to see new responses and reactions or if they gained new followers, which can be highly distracting while trying to focus. In addition, students’ self-esteem and confidence can be lowered because of these metrics since they are often displayed publicly, and kids may compare themselves to others and feel frustrated if their followers or likes are lower than their friends’. (7) Furthermore, public comment sections can also lead to students getting cyberbullied; this is when/where harmful messages get sent, usually harassing or judging the person based on how they look or act (6).
The 24/7 accessibility of social media can interfere with sleep patterns, as students may postpone their bedtime to stay engaged online. Features such as continuous app/game updates and online activities like livestreams can create a fear of missing out (FOMO), in which students feel anxious about being excluded from activities or conversations happening online, leading them to stay online longer to make sure they don’t miss out on these opportunities (7). This constant need to stay connected online can then lead to digital stress, where students feel the pressure to respond immediately to messages or maintain online engagement like streaks. This leads to students going nonstop from one app to another, checking/waiting for new notifications or activities to pop up. (5)
Unlike traditional media, social media apps combine unique graphics with loud text, animation, and video. Filters, heavy editing, and modified lighting are the things that draw individuals’ attention to the specific apps. While these visuals are fun, they can have a negative impact on kids’ mental health by making the offline world seem boring in comparison. As a result, children might be more likely to feel depressed or bored when they are offline, making them want to use their devices more to change their mood. (7) In addition, filters and photo-editing tools allow users to alter their appearances, which can create unrealistic social comparisons and affect how students see themselves. (6) As a result, this may lead to “body dissatisfaction,” and students might start to do whatever that will comfort them or help them feel better about themselves, like unhealthy eating, vaping, or even drinking alcohol. (7)
Sources
- Potential risks of content, features, and functions: The science of how social media affects youth (1)
- How does social media affect education negatively? – California Learning Resource Network (2)
- The Impact of Social Media on K-12 Students – Veracross (3)
- The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights (4)
- The Good and Bad of Social Media: What Research Tells Us (5)
- Why Is Social Media Harmful to Children and Teens? | Psychology Today (6)
- Which social media features harm youth mental health? – Children and Screens (7)
Thank you for reading my blog post #3. Furthermore, in blog #4 I will be talking about how the use of social media affects students’ work habits? Studying this question will get me closer to answering my inquiry question, “How does social media negatively affect students’ work habits and their academic performances?” as I will be able to understand how online platforms can distract one from being able to productively manage their time for work.
