SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Social media has become an integral part of university students’ everyday lives, influencing how they communicate, access information, exchange ideas, and participate in academic activities. The growing use of digital platforms in higher education has generated considerable interest in understanding their relationship with academic engagement and learning experiences. Although social media provides opportunities for collaboration, peer interaction, and the rapid sharing of educational resources, its influence on students’ academic activities remains complex. While purposeful use may support communication, knowledge sharing, and participation in learning communities, excessive or unstructured use may contribute to distraction, interrupted concentration, and difficulties in managing study time. This article presents a conceptual review of the relationship between social media use and academic engagement among university students. It examines major themes concerning the educational benefits of social networking platforms, the challenges associated with digital distraction, and the role of self-regulation in shaping students’ learning experiences. The discussion distinguishes academic use from recreational use and emphasises the importance of considering the purpose, frequency, and context of online activities rather than treating social media use as a single, uniform behaviour.