Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
I’m Sai, a 2nd year student in the Commerce program at UVic. Growing up in the digital age, I never imagined that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube would become such powerful tools in my education.
It started with educational creators on Instagram and TikTok who break down complex subjects into bite‑sized, memorable videos. This trend is backed by studies showing social media boosts engagement when used intentionally in education.
I also discovered the power of Online study groups, where students from around the world share notes, ask questions, and collaborate. These communities have become a virtual classroom where peer support thrives. Meanwhile, LinkedIn has helped me explore career paths, connect with mentors, and even find internship opportunities in my field.
Benefits and Challenges of Social Media Learning
While social media has unlocked countless opportunities for me, it also comes with its share of challenges.
On the positive side, platforms provide:
- Free, high‑quality educational content, accessible 24/7.
- Opportunities to join global learning communities regardless of geography.
- Engaging formats like infographics, explainer videos, and live Q&A sessions.
But there are downsides too. For instance, 84.5% of students report that social media can distract them and harm assignment completion rates. The rapid spread of misinformation is another major issue, requiring us to develop strong media literacy skills (Teen Vogue). Privacy concerns and screen addiction are risks I’ve had to actively manage.To deal with these challenges, I’ve started using “study-only” accounts and timer apps to keep my focus intact. Setting healthy boundaries has been key to turning social media into a productive learning tool.
Why Digital Literacy Matters
In today’s world, digital literacy is as important as reading and writing. It’s not just about knowing how to use apps—it’s about evaluating information critically, communicating responsibly, and protecting your digital footprint.
These skills help me:
- Spot false or misleading information quickly.
- Collaborate effectively in online projects.
- Safeguard my personal data and privacy online.
- Build a professional presence for future career growth.
When I came across Shauna Begley’s TEDx talk, “Digital Literacy: Realizing the Promise of Technology”, it felt like she was speaking directly to my experience.
In her talk, Shauna described how technology is only as powerful as the way we use it. That really resonated with me because there were times I used social media mindlessly—scrolling for hours—but I also realized that intentional use made all the difference. When Shauna said, “Digital literacy isn’t about technical skills alone—it’s about curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in digital spaces”, it made me reflect on how I could transform my relationship with technology.
This TEDx talk inspired me to take small but impactful steps: curating my feed to include more educators, fact-checking information before sharing, and embracing apps that help me stay organized.
Conclusion: Turning Scrolling Into Purpose
Looking back, I can see how social media has been both a distraction and a powerful learning ally in my academic journey. The difference came when I shifted from passive scrolling to intentional use—choosing to engage with content that inspires growth instead of wasting hours in endless feeds.
Shauna Begley’s words reminded me that digital literacy isn’t just about keeping up with technology—it’s about using it to shape our future responsibly and creatively.
As I move forward, I’m committed to using social media in a way that supports my goals and personal development. And maybe that’s the key lesson here: it’s not about avoiding social media but about transforming how we interact with it.
8 responses to “From Scrolling to Studying: Social Media’s Impact on My Education”
Hi Sai, I enjoyed reading your post! I loved how you highlighted the shift from passive scrolling to intentional engagement. It’s something I’ve been trying to work on. Your point about online study groups acting like virtual classrooms stood out to me. I’ve found so much support through those kinds of communities, too, especially when studying for tough exams. The TEDx talk you mentioned was super powerful. Also, your idea of creating “study-only” accounts is genius! I never thought of that as a way to stay focused but still use social media for good. Thanks for sharing your experience.
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