From Likes to Learning: The Educational Benefits of Social Media for Students

This research reviews the educational benefits of social media for students, focusing on two key aspects: providing user-generated content and improving academic performance. A review of recent literature reveals that platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook offer diverse learning opportunities across subjects and support various learning styles through multimedia content, enhancing engagement and knowledge retention. Social media facilitates collaborative learning, enabling peer-to-peer interactions and fostering critical thinking skills. Studies show improved academic performance when social media is integrated into learning. The interactive nature of these platforms allows students to recognize context and memorize content for longer periods. The limitation of this research is further highlighted in the paper. This research recommends further empirical studies to validate the benefits outlined and explore additional factors influencing social media's educational impact. The integration of social media into education represents a significant shift in learning approaches, offering innovative ways to present educational content aligned with digital natives' preferences. While challenges exist, the strategic implementation of social media in educational settings holds promise for substantial improvements in academic outcomes. The integration of TikTok and YouTube into online learning environments offers significant benefits for students across diverse subjects. Educators should incorporate these platforms into their curricula to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences, particularly in science, technology, and engineering fields. Ongoing research and refinement are crucial to leveraging these tools effectively, ensuring they enhance rather than detract from the learning experience.