The Use of Social Media in Education: A Friend or Foe?

The rapid growth of social media has significantly transformed the educational landscape, influencing the ways students and educators communicate, collaborate, and access information. Social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and academic networking sites have emerged as powerful tools for learning, offering opportunities for knowledge sharing, interactive learning, and academic collaboration beyond traditional classroom boundaries. When used constructively, social media enhances student engagement, promotes collaborative learning, supports self-directed study, and provides quick access to educational resources. However, excessive and unregulated use of social media can negatively impact academic performance by causing distractions, reducing concentration, encouraging procrastination, and exposing students to misinformation and cyber-related risks. This dual nature raises an important question: Is social media a friend or a foe in education? This study examines both the positive and negative impacts of social media on the teaching–learning process, highlighting its role in academic development as well as the challenges it poses. The findings suggest that social media can be a valuable educational ally when used responsibly, with proper guidance, digital literacy, and institutional policies, but it may become detrimental if misused or overused. Therefore, a balanced and purposeful integration of social media into education is essential to maximize its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks.