Impact of Social Media Usage on Academic Burnout among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The aim of the study was to study the impact of social media use on academic burnout among students at the university level. In order to determine how social media affects university students' academic burnout, this descriptive survey study was carried out at the Faisalabad Campus of the University of Education, Lahore with a sample of (N=228) students studying in semester two and four. Study employed research questionnaire comprising two sections; one for measuring the academic burnout and the other used to measure social media usage (α=.81) among students. According to the findings of the study, students frequently turn to social media as a stress-reduction strategy, even when it impairs their ability to focus, sleep, and well performance in class. Academic burnout has been associated with a number of factors, including social isolation, poor lifestyle choices, low self-efficacy, scholastic stress, and a lack of social support. It was shown that emotional exhaustion and burnout were more common among female pupils. Furthermore, compared to second semester students, fourth semester students reported higher degrees of academic burnout. According to the study, universities should recognize social media as a source of academic support as well as a cause of exhaustion. Digital literacy training, time management training, fostering a culture of face-to-face interaction and the establishment of a counseling service focusing on media use and mental health are among the recommendations. The study emphasizes how critical it is that technology and psychological well-being co-exist in educational environments and recommends that remedial actions be taken to intentionally alter online conduct so that students can maintain their academic success while protecting their mental health. Long-term considerations of students' digital behavior may heavily rely on the findings.