A recent study has investigated the impact of social media use on academic achievement among early adolescents. The University of Delaware researchers analyzed data from 1,459 participants and examined the frequency of social media usage on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.
The study revealed a negative association between social media use and academic achievement. As the frequency of social media use on each platform increased, early adolescents' academic performance decreased.
The study suggests that excessive engagement with social media may have detrimental effects on students' homework and academic success.
A student completes homework assignments from the university as part of her studies, in Dortmund, western Germany, on January 19, 2021. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel and leaders of the country's 16 states are expected to extend and tighten a partial lockdown beyond January, as fears grow over virus variant strains believed to be more contagious.
Parent-Adolescent Communication and Gender
The researchers explored how parent-adolescent communication and gender could moderate the relationship between social media use and academic achievement.
The results showed that low use of Facebook and Instagram and high communication with mothers led to higher academic achievement among early adolescents.
On the other hand, low mother-adolescent communication combined with increased use of both Facebook and Instagram was associated with lower academic achievement.
That indicates that strong parent-adolescent communication may mitigate the negative impact of social media use on academic performance.
Gender also played a role in the association between social media use and academic achievement. Girls tended to report higher academic performance on both Twitter and Snapchat platforms, particularly when their use was low.
The study's findings provide valuable insights into the potential consequences of excessive social media use on academic achievement among early adolescents. It highlights the need for parents, educators, and policymakers to be aware of the impact of social media on students' academic responsibilities.
Negative Link?
While the study suggests a negative link between social media use and academic achievement, it is crucial to interpret these findings cautiously. Further research is necessary to fully understand the complex relationship between social media use and academic outcomes in young students.
The study extends the current literature by providing insights into the effects of social media use on academic achievement in early adolescents. Notably, it identifies the potential moderating role of mother-adolescent communication and gender in this relationship.
The findings underscore the importance of considering parental involvement and gender-specific effects when examining the impact of social media use on academic performance in early adolescents.
The research highlights the need for further investigation into social media use's underlying mechanisms and interactive effects.
As social media platforms continue to evolve, ongoing research is essential to monitor their impact on academic achievement and well-being in early adolescents.
Parents and educators can benefit from understanding the nuances of social media use among early adolescents and taking appropriate measures to promote positive academic outcomes in this age group.
The study's findings were published in the journal Youth & Society.
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