In their article “The Impact of Social Media Use on Social Skills among College Students,” Kwok and Wan (2019) explore the relationship between social media usage and social skills among college students. The study aims to examine whether excessive use of social media platforms has a negative impact on the development and maintenance of crucial social skills.
The authors begin by acknowledging the widespread popularity of social media platforms and the increasing reliance on these platforms for communication and social interaction. They emphasize the significance of social skills in personal relationships, academic success, and overall well-being. Recognizing the potential influence of social media on social skills, the authors pose the research question: “Does increased social media use hinder the development and maintenance of social skills among college students?”
To answer this question, the authors conducted a quantitative survey-based study involving 284 college students. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed their frequency of social media use, perceived social skills, and self-reported well-being. The questionnaire included established scales such as the Social Media Use Integration Scale and the Social Skills Inventory.
The findings of the study indicate a negative relationship between excessive social media use and social skills among college students. The results show that higher levels of social media use are associated with lower perceived social skills. The authors suggest that this negative association may be attributed to various factors, including decreased face-to-face interaction, limited nonverbal cues, and the tendency for social media to encourage passive forms of communication.
Moreover, the study highlights that the negative impact of social media on social skills is mediated by psychological well-being. The authors found that students who reported higher levels of social media use also experienced lower psychological well-being, which in turn affected their social skills. This suggests that the negative influence of social media on social skills may be indirect, operating through its effects on mental well-being.
The authors discuss the implications of their findings for college students and suggest that awareness of the potential negative consequences of excessive social media use is crucial. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between online and offline interactions to foster the development of strong social skills. Additionally, the authors suggest that interventions and educational programs should be implemented to help students cultivate healthy social media habits and enhance their social skills.
In conclusion, Kwok and Wan’s (2019) study sheds light on the impact of social media use on social skills among college students. The research demonstrates a negative relationship between excessive social media use and perceived social skills, mediated by psychological well-being. The findings underscore the need for individuals, particularly college students, to be mindful of their social media usage and actively engage in face-to-face interactions to foster the development and maintenance of vital social skills.
Title of the article: The Impact of Social Media Use on Social Skills among College Students
Authors: Kwok, K.H., & Wan, H.Y.
Year of publication: 2019
Journal: Journal of Applied Communication Research
Volume: 47
Issue: 5
Page range: 571-591
DOI: 10.1177/1078390319886358