Social Media: How Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Influence Student Life
Posted by WNP | 4 weeks ago | 118 times
Khadijat Adeyinka
On a typical day at Fountain University, 500l Nursing student Mustapha Faiza wakes up, scrolls through her Twitter feed for trending news, checks TikTok for content ideas, and responds to Instagram DMs from clients interested in her handmade footwear business. "Social media is more than just entertainment for me," she says. "I use it to learn, network, and even make money."
Faiza is one of many students leveraging social media for academic and professional growth. In today’s digital age, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are shaping student life beyond casual browsing. While some use them for business and networking, others rely on them for academic research and learning.
Social media has transformed how students access information. Rather than relying solely on textbooks, many turn to YouTube tutorials, TikTok educational videos, and Twitter threads for quick insights on complex topics.
Lawal Mustapha, a final-year student studying Computer Science, explains how Twitter has been instrumental in his learning journey. "I follow tech influencers and industry professionals who share free programming resources and job opportunities. I’ve learned coding tricks from Twitter threads that I didn’t even find in my course materials."
Similarly, 100l Mass Communication student Bello Rukayat uses TikTok to improve her public speaking skills. "There are many speech coaches on TikTok who give free tips. Watching their short videos has helped me build confidence when presenting in class."
Beyond academics, students are using social media to build brands, start businesses, and connect with professionals.
Akinlawon Fadeelah, a 500l Nursing Science student, runs a successful Islamic Wear business on Instagram. "Instagram allows me to showcase my products, engage with customers, and market my brand. I make extra income without needing a physical store," she explains.
For networking, LinkedIn remains a top choice, but Twitter and Instagram are also proving useful. "I connected with a mentor on Twitter who guided me through writing my first research paper," says Mustapha Fatiha, a Medical Laboratory Science students. "If used wisely, social media can open doors to opportunities."
Despite its benefits, social media has its downsides. Many lecturers worry that excessive use is affecting students' focus and academic performance.
Mr Teslim Adegboyega, a lecturer in the Mass Communication Department, notes that students are often distracted by social media notifications. "I see students checking their phones during lectures instead of paying attention. Some even struggle with reduced concentration because they spend hours on social media before studying," he says.
Beyond distraction, misinformation is another growing concern. With the rapid spread of unverified news, students are at risk of consuming and sharing false information. "Many students believe everything they see on social media without fact-checking," says Mr Teslim. "Misinformation, especially about politics and health, can be dangerous."
While social media can be a powerful tool, striking a balance between entertainment and productivity is key.
Faiza, the business owner, says she sets daily limits on social media to avoid distractions. "I allocate specific hours for posting and responding to customers. Outside that, I focus on my studies."
Similarly, Mustapha uses browser extensions to block social media when studying. "I use apps that limit my social media access for a set time. That way, I stay productive without unnecessary distractions."
Mr Teslim advises students to use social media with intentionality. "Follow pages that add value to your education and career. Avoid spending hours mindlessly scrolling. Instead, make social media work for you, not against you."
As social media continues to evolve, its impact on student life will only grow. Whether used for learning, networking, or business, students must navigate these platforms wisely to maximize benefits while minimizing distractions.
