Adoption of Social Media by Youth as a Stress Reliever post-pandemic.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many students to rely heavily on social media for academic, social, and emotional support. This study aims to explore the perceptions of students towards social media use in the post-COVID-19 era. Online surveys have been conducted with undergraduate and graduate students. The results showed that social media played a crucial role in facilitating communication and building social connections during the pandemic. However, students also reported negative consequences of social media use, such as distraction, addiction, and negative impacts on mental health. Many participants expressed a desire to reduce their social media use and find more meaningful ways to connect with others. The study also revealed differences in social media use patterns and perceptions based on factors such as age, gender, and academic discipline. Overall, the findings suggest that while social media has been helpful during the pandemic, there is a need for greater awareness of its potential negative consequences and a shift towards more intentional and mindful use. These findings can inform strategies for promoting healthy social media habits among students in the post-COVID-19 era.