EXPLORATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

This study examines how students from marginalized communities use social media to gratify their needs in performing educational tasks during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. This research explores what challenges did the students face in their own areas during those uncertain times and what opportunities they had in developed areas where they were studying. Focus group discussions were arranged by providing free space for the students to express their genuine issues. The educational tasks, lockdown challenges, educational facilities, digital divide, ethnicity, educational performances, and telecommunication services were explored in detail. The students’ interpretation, understanding and responses to these issues were concerns of this investigation. These sub-themes examine under the shadow of “Cognitive, Personal, Affective and Tension Release Needs” of Uses and Gratification Theory. But after discussion with the students, the researchers found that there were many other challenges faced by the marginalized students who belong to peripheries and tried to remain in contact with their educational institutions during the lockdown such as internet facilities, electronic gadgets, war zone conflicts, and transportation etc.