Social Media Usage Patterns Research Articles

The Impact of Social Media on Anxiety and Self-Esteem Among University Students

Abstract: Social media has become an integral part of daily life, particularly among university students, significantly influencing the psychological well-being of its users. Its pervasive presence offers a platform for communication, self-expression, and community building, yet it also introduces challenges that impact mental health. This research paper delves into the nuanced effects of social media on anxiety and self-esteem among university students, a demographic particularly susceptible to its influence. By analyzing patterns of usage and their psychological ramifications, this research investigates both the positive and negative psychological effects of social media usage on university students. Drawing from both primary data and an extensive review of existing literature, this study examines the intricate relationship between social media usage patterns, anxiety prevalence, and self-esteem fluctuations. The research identifies that excessive engagement with social media correlates strongly with heightened anxiety levels and diminished self-esteem. However, the findings also suggest that when used mindfully and in moderation, social media can serve as a neutral or even positive tool for social connection and self-enhancement, highlighting the complexity of its impact. The implications of these findings underscore the urgency for action. University policies and individual awareness campaigns must prioritize fostering healthier social media habits among students. By promoting digital literacy, encouraging balanced usage, and providing support for mental health challenges, institutions can empower students to navigate the digital landscape more effectively. This paper aims to contribute to the growing discourse on the need for a mindful approach to social media usage, ensuring its benefits are maximized while its risks are mitigated.

Exploring the Relationship between Social Media Usage and Civic Engagement in the Digital Era: A Mediation Moderation Analysis

Researchers investigate the relationship between social media activities and civic involvement in today's digital environment by using mediation-moderation analytical approaches. Today's social media platforms Facebook Twitter and Instagram deliver transformative communication tools that support civic participation by empowering voting and supporting volunteering and advocacy endeavors. Users connect emotionally on social media which translates into civic participation through Online Political Efficacy as the mediating factor. Digital literacy functions as a tuning element that helps users improve their online information assessment and navigation skills thus, they gain better results from social media engagement in civic activities. Study authors bridge existing research gaps through their consolidated model which analyzes Online Political Efficacy together with digital literacy. This study analyzed the relationship between social media usage patterns and civic engagement levels using responses from 200 university student participants and active social media users through dedicated questionnaires. Among the research findings are sizeable positive correlations establishing Online Political Efficacy and digital literacy as fundamental influences. Online Political Efficacy increases social media usage's relationship to civic participation according to mediation results and digital literacy stands out as a primary factor according to moderation results. The study presents real-world advice designed to improve civic engagement through investments in digital literacy education and emotionally compelling content creation for policymakers. Educators join forces with social media platforms to put this guidance into action. The research extends knowledge about social media through its inspection of societal participation barriers such as misinformation and digital inequality.

Dampak Media Sosial Terhadap Partisipasi Masyarakat Dalam Pemilu Pada Tahun 2024

This research aims to identify patterns of social media usage, evaluate the effectiveness of social media campaigns, and explore the role of social media in voter education. This research discusses the influence of social media on public participation in the 2024 elections in Indonesia. Social media has become one of the main tools in political communication, both for candidates, political parties, and voters. This study uses a mixed-methods approach with surveys of 500 respondents from various regions in Indonesia, complemented by content analysis of political campaigns on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The level of voter participation who are actively engaged in online political discussions is also proven to be higher compared to those who are less active on social media. The issues found in the field include: 1. What are the social media platforms most commonly used by the public in the context of elections? 2. How is social media used to educate voters about political issues, candidates, and the electoral process? 3. What are the main challenges faced in using social media for electoral participation? The research method used is the quantitative method. This method involves the collection of data that can be measured and statistically analyzed. The research results show that social media plays a significant role in increasing political awareness among the public, especially among young voters. However, the research also found that information disseminated through social media is often unverified, which can negatively influence public opinion.

Emerging Use of Social Media in Clinical Urology Practice in the 21st Century: Survey Study.

Social media (So-Me) platforms are valuable resources for health care professionals and academics to discover, discuss, and distribute current advances in research and clinical practices, including technology trends. This study aims to assess the role of So-Me in urological practice in Saudi Arabia. It explores the influence of digital platforms on patient interaction, professional communication, decision-making, and education. The survey was conducted among 145 urologists from July 2021 to July 2022 following institutional review board approval. A questionnaire designed using the SurveyMonkey platform examined urologists' knowledge of So-Me. The survey was conducted using the CHERRIES (Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys) guidelines and was open for 17 weeks. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0. Of the 145 participants, 70% (n=102) were Saudi Arabians. The most common age groups were 30-40 (n=68, 46.8%) and 41-50 (n=61, 42.2%) years, with a gender distribution of 44.8% (n=65) women and 55.2% (n=80) men. A total of 61.5% (n=89) of urologists reported using So-Me accounts for professional purposes, with 54.9% (n=80) sharing health-related information. Social media enhanced patient connections beyond clinic visits for 55.8% (n=81) of respondents, while 57.2% (n=83) used it to provide educational resources. Additionally, 56.5% (n=82) believed So-Me facilitated patient feedback and improved their practice. In terms of professional communication, 60.6% (n=88) of urologists agreed that So-Me facilitated collaboration with colleagues, while 63.3% (n=92) used it to stay updated on the latest advances in urology. Furthermore, 62% (n=90) followed professional societies or journals on So-Me, and 63.3% (n=92) used it for continuing medical education. A majority (n=94, 64.7%) reported that So-Me influenced treatment decisions based on new research findings, and 85.3% (n=124) learned about novel technologies and treatment options through these platforms. Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between gender and social media usage patterns (R=0.653, R2=0.426), indicating that approximately 42.6% of the differences in usage patterns can be attributed to gender. However, the Pearson χ2 analysis showed that gender did not significantly affect most aspects of social media use, except information sharing and participating in online discussions (both P<.05). This study highlights the widespread use of So-Me among urologists in Saudi Arabia, underscoring its role in enhancing patient interaction, professional development, and clinical decision-making. Strategically designed health care programs using social media could improve and modernize professional and patient-centered care in Saudi Arabia through legislative assistance and guidelines.

Fake Accounts and Extended Social Media Use: The Digital Chains of Youth

This study examines students' social media usage patterns and their Technology Addiction Scale (TAS) scores. The research analyzes the relationships between the number of active social media accounts, daily time spent on social media, the use of fake accounts, and technology addiction. The data were evaluated using an independent groups t-test. The findings indicate that students who spend more time on social media have significantly higher technology addiction scores than those who spend less time. Additionally, students who use fake accounts were found to have significantly higher technology addiction scores than those who do not. These findings highlight the significant impact of social media usage duration and the use of fake accounts on technology addiction. Consistent with previous studies, this research supports the notion that increased time spent on social media correlates with higher levels of technology addiction. Furthermore, the findings regarding the influence of fake account usage on technology addiction contribute to the limited body of literature on this topic. The results suggest that young people should manage their social media usage more consciously and avoid using fake accounts to mitigate the risk of technology addiction.

Use of Social Media to Source Medical Information Among Parents of Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinic Patients: A Survey Study.

The reach and impact of social media as it pertains to medical information among the parents and guardians of pediatric otolaryngology patients is unknown. This survey-based study investigates the use of social media as a source of medical knowledge in this population. Parents and guardians visiting a pediatric Otolaryngology clinic located at a tertiary care children's hospital in southern California from September 2022 to May 2023 were approached for study inclusion. Decision tree and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify patterns of social media usage in association with factors of interest. Of the 400 parents included in the study, most were female (80.0%); 49.5% were 30 to 40 years of age, and 18.8% were <30 years old. Most (90.0%) used social media, and 44.5% actively used it to obtain health information related to care for their children. A large proportion of parents (73.0%) were interested in social media content to better understand their child's condition, particularly the opportunity to view videos and images of a surgery planned for their child (75.0%). About half (50.5%) would permit their child's doctor to post about their child on social media, and 53.8% stated they would be more inclined to choose a surgeon who uses social media to educate families about their child's condition. Most parents/guardians were interested in and had obtained critical medical information on social media, especially content pertaining to their child's medical condition(s). Analysis of survey responses identified the social media content most valued by parents/guardians of children undergoing otolaryngological surgery. These findings can be used by pediatric otolaryngologists to better understand their patients' preferences and improve access to health information for their patients on social media, as well as to grow their practices.

The Power of Faith and Social Media in Healing Women’s Mental Health – A Theological Study

This study investigates the profound interplay between social media engagement and spirituality in the journey of women overcoming anxiety and depression. With these pervasive mental health challenges affecting countless lives, understanding effective coping mechanisms becomes imperative. By intertwining the realms of digital connectivity and spiritual practices, this research explores how women navigate their mental health struggles, find support networks, and cultivate resilience. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, this study delves into the experiences of a diverse cohort of women, capturing both quantitative data on social media usage patterns and qualitative insights into the significance of spirituality in their mental well-being. Through surveys, interviews, and content analysis, the multifaceted impact of social media platforms and spiritual beliefs on mental health outcomes is illuminated. The results reveal a complex landscape wherein social media serves as both a source of distress and a platform for connection and support. Moreover, spirituality emerges as a profound resource for coping, offering solace, hope, and a sense of purpose to women navigating the depths of anxiety and depression. Statistical analysis underscores the significant correlations between certain social media behaviors and mental health outcomes, while qualitative narratives enrich our understanding of the deeply personal and transformative role of spirituality in women's lives.

The Adverse Effects of Social Media on Women: A Case Study of Risks and Harmful Impacts

This study examines the adverse effects of social media on women's mental health, body image, and overall well-being. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, a survey was conducted among 150 students from four faculties at an online university, focusing on their social media usage patterns and perceptions. The purpose of this research is to investigate how engagement with social media influences women’s self-esteem, body image concerns, and experiences of cyberbullying. Data analysis was performed using Excel to derive frequency distributions and percentages, revealing that a significant proportion of respondents reported negative impacts related to social media use. Results indicated that 40% of participants felt their social media usage contributed to negative body image perceptions, while 26.67% experienced cyberbullying or harassment at least sometimes. These findings underscore the complex interplay between social media engagement and women's mental health, suggesting a need for interventions to mitigate these adverse effects. In conclusion, while social media provides avenues for connection, it also poses significant risks that require attention from educators and policymakers. The study highlights the importance of promoting digital literacy and resilience among female users to navigate these challenges effectively.

Cross-cultural study on social media usage and its correlation with mental health and family functioning

Social media has the potential to influence both mental health and family dynamics significantly. However, there is limited research on the relationship between social media usage, mental health, and family functioning. To address this gap, we developed a novel mobile app, Social Brain, and conducted a study with 563 social media users to evaluate their preferences for the app's interface and functionality. The user-preference app design was validated with a separate study involving 65 social media users.The Social Brain app provides personalized, visually engaging weekly reports on users’ mental health, family functioning, and social media usage patterns. Participants from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom were recruited to use the app for four weeks. A detailed survey conducted with 25 participants revealed significant correlations: mental health was notably associated with marital and employment status, while family functioning was linked to marital status, nationality, employment status, and religion.Our results indicated a significant decrease in mean mental health scores after using the Social Brain app compared to pre-app usage assessments (2.11 ± 0.49 vs. 25.28 ± 5.72, P < 0.001). This finding highlights the need to view technology as a complement rather than a replacement for traditional mental health approaches. Our study offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between social media usage, mental health, and family functioning, suggesting pathways for future interventions at this intersection.

Enhancing Cross-Cultural Understanding: The Role of Digital Platforms in Cultural Exchange for Chinese Graduate Students at Northwestern University

The rapid growth of digital platforms has reshaped the educational-rich landscape, introducing dynamic ways of cultural exchange that transcend traditional boundaries. This paper explores the unique potential of online cultural exchange to promote cross-cultural understanding and community building for students, with a special focus on Chinese graduate students in Northwestern University during their short spring break. As global connectivity increases, it becomes increasingly important to leverage these digital tools to facilitate meaningful cultural interactions. This study argues that social media platforms play a key role in this effort, enabling students to engage in cultural exchange activities that are both convenient and impactful (Abbas et al., 2019). Integrating digital tools into educational and cultural environments has revolutionized the way students interact with different cultural experiences. Social media platforms, in particular, offer unparalleled opportunities for students to connect with peers from different cultures, share knowledge and engage in collaborative activities. These platforms provide a flexible and accessible means for students to immerse themselves in cultural learning outside of geographical constraints. Moreover, the interactivity of social media fosters a sense of community and common purpose, which is essential for successful cultural exchange programs. While there are many advantages to using social media for cultural communication, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed. The potential for distraction, information overload, and reduced face-to-face interaction could undermine the effectiveness of these platforms in educational Settings. In addition, given the differences in social media usage patterns among different demographic groups, such as gender differences, it is critical to ensure that programs are inclusive and effective. This article aims to explore these complexities and offer solutions to maximize the benefits of social media while mitigating its drawbacks.

Revisiting the Facilitators of Social Media Adoption within the Tourism Sector: An Empirical Investigation in an Emerging Economy

Aim: This study aims to investigate the factors facilitating social media adoption within the tourism sector of an emerging economy. Background: Social media has emerged as a transformative agent within the global tourism industry, fundamentally altering the ways in which tourists engage, disseminate information, and make travel-related decisions. However, the integration of social media platforms within emerging economies poses distinctive challenges and opportunities Objective: The primary objective of this research is to discern the drivers underpinning social media utilization within the tourism sector of an emerging economy, while also comprehending their implications for destination management, sustainable tourism practices, and economic advancement. This study operates within a considered framework to delineate the intricate interplay between social media dynamics and the broader tourism landscape. Methods: Employing a survey methodology, data was collected from local tourists visiting tourist destinations in Ghana, an emerging economy situated in West Africa, to elucidate their patterns of social media usage and associated motivations. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to rigorously analyze the data and discern the key enablers driving social media utilization within the tourism sector. Results: The findings reveal that factors such as information accessibility, behavioral objectives, tourism satisfaction, and destination perception emerge as pivotal enablers fostering social media adoption within Ghana's tourism sector. Moreover, the study underscores the positive impact of social media usage on tourist satisfaction and loyalty, underscoring its significance in shaping visitor experiences. Conclusion: This study underscores the imperative of comprehensively understanding the enablers of social media utilization within the tourism sector of emerging economies. Hence, by explaining these dynamics, stakeholders can make informed strategic decisions regarding destination management, foster sustainable tourism practices, and propel economic development within the region.

Testing, revision and application of the social anxiety scale for Chinese social media users.

This study aims to modify the Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users (SAS-SMU) to make it more suitable for assessing social anxiety among Chinese social media users, taking into account the unique cultural nuances and social media usage patterns in China. Consequently, a systematic approach was adopted, involving three distinct studies. Study 1 involved translating the English scale into Chinese, conducting interviews with Chinese social media users, and subsequently revising the scale items based on the interview data to ensure cultural appropriateness. Study 2 employed an online survey to collect data and examine the reliability and construct validity of the revised scale, including a two-phase approach: an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with 500 participants to identify the underlying factor structure, and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with 408 participants was used to cross-validate the results. Thus far, this study has developed a social anxiety scale for Chinese mobile social media users (SAS-CMSMU) consisted of 11 items on three factors: Interaction Anxiety, Privacy Concern Anxiety, and Shared Content Anxiety. Study 3 (N = 1,006) applied the SAS-CMSMU to assess social anxiety among Wechat users. The results indicated that participants showed a high level of overall social anxiety (M = 3.646 > 3). Specifically, Privacy Anxiety was the most pronounced, followed by Shared Content Anxiety and Interaction Anxiety. Moreover, significant statistical differences in social anxiety levels were found among WeChat users across gender, age, education, income, and relationship status.

Perception, use of social media, and its impact on the mental health of Indian adolescents: A qualitative study.

Mental illness is a health challenge faced by adolescents that has grown worse after the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Research on social media and young people's mental health has recently increased, and numerous studies have examined whether frequent use of social media is linked to issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, frustration, feeling alone, and externalizing problems among adolescents. This influence of social media on adolescents' lives is clear, with many platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube playing an important role in daily interactions and self-expression. Even though social media offers numerous benefits, such as connectivity and information sharing, excessive usage can have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly among adolescents. To study the impact of social media on the mental wellbeing of adolescents, and the associated potential dangers in India. A total of 204 adolescents aged 14 years to 23 years were included in the study. This study explored the intricate relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health in India. The study employs a cross-sectional survey design to capture a snapshot of adolescent mental health and social media usage patterns. Data collection involved administering structured questionnaires and the analysis utilized quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics. Excessive use of social media is correlated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Adolescents engage in compulsive behaviors such as scrolling in the middle of the night, which negatively impacts their mental and physical health, and leads to significant sleep disruption. Findings from the study aim to provide insights into the current state of adolescent mental health and inform strategies to promote positive wellbeing in the Indian population. The study underscores the need for further research to better understand the complex interplay between social media and adolescent mental health, and need for effective strategies to combat online harassment.

Exploring the impact of negative online feedback on well-being: A comprehensive analysis incorporating Big-Five personality traits and physiological responses

This study investigates the dynamics between social media engagement and well-being, employing a multi-dimensional analysis encompassing psychological, behavioral, social media usage patterns, and physiological perspectives. Through the utilization of electrodermal activity, our study identified a statistically significant increase following exposure to a negative comment. In addition, analysis of facial expressions revealed a variety of reactions, including laughter, irritation, sadness, and neutrality, once participants were confronted with the negative comment. Our analysis revealed intriguing insights into the relationship between personality traits and social media interactions. We observed that individuals with higher agreeableness were more likely to contemplate deactivating social media platforms. Conversely, lower levels of neuroticism were associated with self-reported social media addiction, while extraversion showed a positive correlation with increased posting frequency. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between individual personality traits and reactions to negative social media experiences, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of online interactions and their effects on overall well-being.

Mediation of transactive memory capability in relationship of social media usage and job performance.

This study explores the role of transactive memory capability as a mediator in the relationship between social media usage and job performance. Drawing on transactive memory theory, we hypothesized that individuals who use social media more intensively for task-oriented purposes and relationship building are more likely to develop transactive memory capability, which in turn enhances their job performance. A survey was conducted among 816 employees in China from various industries to collect data on their social media usage patterns, transactive memory capability, and job performance. Results from structural equation modeling indicate that social media usage has a positive impact on job performance. Additionally, transactive memory capability mediates the relationship between social media usage and job performance. This study has contribution in literature by demonstrating the beneficial effects of social media usage on the development of transactive memory capability and job performance. It is suggested that social media usage can be used a valuable tool for enhancing performance of employees. Employees should gain an understanding of how social media fosters the development of transactive memory capability to utilize it more effectively. These findings also suggest that the way individuals use social media can influence their ability to access and share knowledge within their social networks, ultimately impacting their job performance.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Catalyst for Increased Consumption in Television and Social Media Usage in Romania

The general perception is that the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant shifts in social media usage patterns, resulting in increased Internet traffic for communication purposes. This study analyses the use of social media and television by the Romanian population before (in 2018), during (in 2020), and after (in 2023) the COVID-19 lockdown. The results indicate that during and after the lockdown, the most frequently used social networking sites and mobile apps in Romania were Facebook and WhatsApp. TikTok experienced a significant increase in user registrations, surpassing Instagram. Despite the presumption that TV lost market share compared to the Internet, television not only remained the most utilised medium, but TV consumption increased during and after the pandemic. The data was collected by the media agency Dentsu Romania, combining information obtained from BRAT (Biroul Român de Audit Transmedia) and Dentsu Romania, based on a collection methodology involving online and face-to-face interviews, on a representative sample of the Romanian population. BRAT and Dentsu Romania media consumption data was cross-referenced with information on consumption behaviour monitored through people meters by ARMA (Asociația Română pentru Măsurarea Audiențelor).

Exploring the Influence of Social Media on Financial Literacy among Millennials and Assessing the Gender Gap

The purpose of this study is to investigate how social media influences financial literacy among millennials, as well as to analyze the gender difference in financial knowledge and behavior within this group. Given the increasing integration of social media into millennials' daily lives, these platforms have the potential to significantly influence their understanding of financial matters. The study will examine how social media content, interactions, and trends influence millennials' financial knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, particularly in detecting gender differences in financial literacy. Data on millennials' social media usage patterns, financial awareness levels, and attitudes toward money management will be gathered using a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The purpose of this research is to identify links between social media exposure and financial literacy results, as well as disparities in financial behaviors across male and female millennials. Finally, the findings will help to better understand the impact of social media on financial literacy and suggest ways for closing the gender gap in financial awareness and decision-making among millennials. Keywords: Social Media, Financial literacy, Millennials, Gender gap, Financial Knowledge, Financial Behavior, Social media influence, Financial attitudes, Financial management, Financial decision-making, Social media content

The Influence of social media on Human and Social Communications: A Sociological Study

The study investigates the impact of social media on human communication and societal dynamics through a survey-based approach involving 200 participants. Through the survey, participants' social media usage patterns, perceptions of its influence on human interaction, self-concept, and societal norms were explored. Additionally, qualitative insights were gathered via semi-structured interviews to enrich understanding. Results revealed diverse viewpoints among participants, with a significant acknowledgment of social media's influence on human interaction and societal norms. The study identified varying degrees of behavioural changes attributed to pervasive social media usage, highlighting implications for individual well-being and societal dynamics. Notably, while a substantial proportion agreed on the platform's positive impact on fostering connections and community engagement, dissenting opinions were also observed, indicating a nuanced perspective. In conclusion, the study underscores the complex interplay between social media usage and human behaviour, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches in understanding its impact. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of contemporary communication patterns and societal norms shaped by social media. The study's implications extend to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, informing strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of digital communication.

Social media use and subjective well-being among university students in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThis study explored how the use of different social media is related to subjective well-being among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.Design/methodology/approachWe surveyed 1,681 university students in the Kanto region of Japan in May 2021 to investigate how social media use relates to subjective well-being. We also examined the effects of self-consciousness and friendship, self-presentation desire, generalized trust, online communication skills, depression tendency and social support from others.FindingsThe responses revealed 15 possible patterns of social media usage on four widely used social media in Japan (LINE, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook). We selected users with the top five patterns for further statistical analyses: LINE/Twitter/Instagram/Facebook, LINE/Twitter/Instagram, LINE/Twitter, LINE/Instagram and LINE only. Overall, self-establishment as a factor of self-consciousness and friendship, and social support from others had positive effects on the improvement of subjective well-being, whereas depression tendency had negative effects on their subjective well-being regardless of their usage patterns, of which the results of social support from others and depression tendency were consistent with the results of previous studies. Regarding other factors, they had different effects on subjective well-being due to different patterns. Effects on subjective well-being from self-indeterminate and self-independency as factors of self-consciousness and friendship, praise acquisition, self-appeal and topic avoidance as factors of self-presentation desire were observed.Originality/valueThis is among the earliest studies on the relationship between young generations’ social media use and subjective well-being through social media usage patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

Investigating the Adverse Effects of Social Media and Cybercrime in Higher Education: A Case Study of an Online University

The utilization of social media alongside the escalating occurrence of cybercrime presents significant hurdles for higher education institutions in today's digital era, prompting a comprehensive exploration of their ramifications. This study investigates the intersection of social media and cybercrime within higher education, focusing particularly on an online university environment. Its aim is to analyze patterns of social media usage, the prevalence of cybercrime, and effective strategies for addressing these challenges among online university students. Through a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a cohort of 100 students via surveys to evaluate their social media interactions and perceptions of cybercrime. Findings reveal a diverse distribution of students across faculties, with WhatsApp and Instagram emerging as the dominant platforms. Noteworthy is the active engagement of students on social media for academic purposes, though perspectives on cyberbullying and hacking risks vary. The study emphasizes the complex dynamics of social media and cybercrime in online higher education, highlighting the importance of comprehensive risk management and student well-being. As such, it advocates for the implementation of cybersecurity training and the enhancement of social media guidelines to cultivate digital literacy and foster a secure online learning environment. This research offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital technologies within educational institutions, laying the groundwork for future investigations into effective interventions and policy frameworks.Top of Form