How social media shapes the lives of university students

In today's interconnected world, social media has significantly influenced various aspects of life, especially among young adults.

University students are no exception, as they often find themselves captivated by the lifestyles and trends showcased by celebrities and influencers both locally and globally. This fascination can have far-reaching effects on their behaviours, values, and overall well-being.

Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have become a stage where celebrities and influencers display their glamorous lives. These portrayals can create unrealistic expectations and pressures for university students.

However, opinions among students themselves about the impact of social media vary. Hassan Zimbwe, a final-year student at the University of Dodoma, believes that emulating celebrities can be motivational.

"Seeing successful people on social media pushes me to work harder. It's like having role models who show that it's possible to achieve great things. Living like them even at this stage is like pushing yourself harder to show people that you can be there one day," he says.

Michael Masau, a second-year engineering student, supports Hassan’s view. Michael says following fitness influencers has helped him adopt a healthier lifestyle. “I’ve learned a lot about nutrition and exercise routines that I wouldn’t have known otherwise," he asserts.

Although Linda Daniel, a law student at Mzumbe University, agrees there is a positive side to social media, she cautions that the obsession with social media can distract from important academic goals.

"I've seen friends neglect their studies because they're too busy trying to maintain an online persona. It's not healthy," she comments.

Like Linda, Wankyo Kiraryo, a first-year student at Ardhi University, argues that emulating influencers' lives can lead to unrealistic aspirations.

"Many students are chasing a fantasy. They don't realise that what they see online is often staged and far from reality. This can lead to disappointment and frustration in the future; that’s why I’m not a devotee of such lifestyles," she explains.

David Othman, a student at the College of Business Education in Dar es Salaam, concurs that social media obsession has many downsides. However, he thinks it can be a useful tool for networking and career growth if well used.

He says that through social media, he has connected with professionals in his field and gained valuable insights.

Yet Naomi Mkami, a medical student at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, highlights a downside. She says the pressure to look perfect and have an exciting life online can be overwhelming. “It’s easy to feel like you're not measuring up."

Emmanuel Kulwa, an information technology student at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, notes that while social media can provide inspiration and opportunities, it’s important to stay grounded and not lose sight of personal and academic priorities.

For her part, Mwanahawa Mjema, a fourth-year law student at the University of Dodoma, sums up a balanced view. She says moderation is key. “Social media is not inherently bad, but overreliance on it can be detrimental. We need to find a balance."

Lecturers too shared their views on the social media craze. Mohamedi Kaluse, a lecturer at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, observes that students are highly impressionable at this stage of their lives. He says the curated perfection on social media can lead students to believe that what they see is reality, causing dissatisfaction with their own lives and choices.

According to Muhimbili National Hospital’s Dr Isaac Lema, constant exposure to idealised images and lifestyles can take a toll on students' mental health. The clinical psychologist explains that feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression can arise from the relentless comparisons.

"The phenomenon of 'compare and despair' is prevalent among university students. Social media platforms are designed to highlight the best moments, often neglecting the reality behind the scenes. This can create a distorted view of life, leading to mental health issues."

The allure of social media can also negatively impact academic performance. The time spent on these platforms can detract from study time, leading to poorer academic outcomes.

"The distraction caused by social media is a significant issue. Many students struggle to balance their academic responsibilities with their online presence, leading to lower academic achievement," Dr Lema notes.

Dr Elisha Magolanga, a lecturer in media studies at the University of Dar es Salaam, points out that students often mimic the extravagant lifestyles they see online without considering their financial limitations. This, he says, can lead to irresponsible spending and financial stress.

Dr Magolanga says while social media can be a source of valuable information and networking, the constant exposure to filtered and edited lives can distort students' perceptions of reality, leading to unrealistic expectations.

"There is a growing concern about the digital footprint that students leave behind. They often share too much personal information online, which can have long-term consequences for their privacy and security," he cautions.

For her part, Janeth Kalinga, a lecturer at Dar es University College of Education, says social media can enhance students' learning experiences if used correctly. However, she says the challenge lies in balancing its educational benefits with the potential for distraction and misinformation."

From a sociological perspective, the impact of social media extends beyond individual behaviour to influence cultural norms and values within the university community.

According to Linah Kabula, a sociologist and lecturer at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, social media has the power to shape societal expectations and norms.

The sociologist says when students emulate the lifestyles of celebrities, they may adopt values that are not aligned with their cultural or economic realities, leading to identity conflicts and social strain."

To mitigate the adverse effects of social media, Dr Lema advises taking regular breaks from social media, which he says can help reduce its negative impact. Setting specific times for social media use can also prevent it from interfering with academic responsibilities, says Dr Lema.

"Understanding that social media often showcases a curated version of reality can help students maintain a healthier perspective."

Dr Lema recommends that universities implement programmes that educate students about the potential pitfalls of social media and promote digital literacy.

“They need education on this issue because most of them do not think it is going to affect them. If we take our time to tell our youth the impact of copying lifestyles they see on social media, they will change and live by considering those possible effects in their lives,” Dr Lema explains.