INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

Social media has transformed how students interact with academic communities, cooperate, and communicate, making it an essential part of modern higher education. This chapter explores how platforms like Discord, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn have revolutionized student participation, emphasizing how they may foster inclusive learning settings, identity development, and participatory learning. The chapter demonstrates how smart use of social media may boost academic performance, increase retention, and promote students' sense of belonging through case studies from various universities. It also tackles issues with mental health, privacy, digital equity, and the fuzziness of the lines between personal and academic spheres. The chapter makes the case that deliberate, morally sound social media integration, along with digital literacy and institutional support, may promote more vibrant, interconnected learning environments. In the end, social media presents significant chances to rethink student involvement for a generation that is focused on technology.