Assessing the Impacts of Social Media on Youth: A Case Study of University Students of Quetta

Impacts of Social Media on Youth

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Social media is a remarkable innovation in this modern era, and majority of the young generations are highly engaged with social media. The excessive use of social media among university students impacts their academic performance, health, and social behavior.

Objective: This study aims to find out what are the impacts of social media on university students in Quetta city, Pakistan.

Methods: Data were collected from 400 respondents, including both male and female students aged 18-25 from four universities in Quetta city using a semi-structured questionnaire. Stratified sampling was employed to ensure representation across different subgroups. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyzed the data.

Results: The findings of the current study indicate that university students in Quetta City engage with various social media platforms, which exert both positive and negative influences on their academic performance and overall well-being. Specifically, 36% of respondents reported positive impacts, while 49% indicated that social media has a detrimental effect on their academic performance. Additionally, 15% of respondents acknowledged both positive and negative impacts of social media. 71% of respondents reported that excessive social media use negatively impacts their physical and mental well-being. 29% of respondents indicated that social media contributed to psychological issues, including stress, anxiety, sadness, and insomnia.

Conclusions: Given these findings, the government needs to implement educational programs in universities to raise awareness about the responsible use of social media, online safety, and the risks of excessive usage. Such initiatives will help students navigate the challenges posed by social media more effectively, promoting a healthier balance between online and offline activities.