Impacto das redes sociais no desempenho acadêmico dos alunos do ensino superior

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze how the use of social media influences the academic performance of higher education students. The research sought to understand how much time students dedicate to these platforms compared to study time, the reasons behind their usage, their preferred networks, and how these tools are used in academic settings, including during classes. The study followed a quantitative and descriptive approach, using a structured questionnaire with 23 objective questions, answered by 59 students from the State University of Piauí – Professor Barros Araújo Campus. Data were analyzed using statistical tests such as Chi-square, Student’s t-test, and generalized linear models, with the help of R software. The results showed that social media is strongly present in students’ daily lives, with WhatsApp and Instagram being the most used platforms. Although entertainment remains the main reason for use, many students recognize the educational potential of these tools, especially for information sharing and communication with peers. No direct relationship was found between time spent on social media and academic performance, but it was observed that female students tend to dedicate more time to studying and use social media more often for academic purposes. 56% participants reported having failed to complete some academic activity due to time spent on social media. It is concluded that the impact of social media on academic performance can be either positive or negative, depending on how these platforms are used. The study highlights the importance of promoting the conscious and educational use of social media and suggests further research with larger and more diverse samples.