THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON STUDENTS’ DAILY
LIVES

Erkinova Shahrizoda Lazizovna
Student of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages.
shahrizodaerkinova26@gmail.com

Annotation: This article analyzes the impact of social networks on students’ lives in the modern era of globalization and digital technologies. Today, social media platforms are becoming an important and integral part of university students’ lives. The article examines both the positive and negative effects of social networks on students’ daily lives, academic activities, and mental and physical health. Many scholars, including Sampasa-Kanyinga and Lewis, Woods and Scott, and Jamil, have studied the extent to which social networks affect students’ lives. It is also highlighted that social networks can play a positive role in supporting the learning
process.

Keywords: Social networks, students, academic activity, psychological state, FOMO, education.

Introduction: In the 21st century, social networks have become not only a means of communication for young people, including students, but also a broad platform for obtaining information and entertainment. Students’ daily routines, preparation for classes, social relationships, and even sleep patterns are increasingly dependent on their use of social networks. The significant increase in time spent on social networks has both positive and negative effects on students’ lifestyles. Therefore, this issue is a relevant research topic not only for educational institutions but also for society as a whole.

Social media tools provide many conveniences for university students and positively influence their academic performance. They enable collaborative group work and projects, as well as the prompt sharing of necessary literature, lecture notes, and other information. In addition, they allow online conferences, online professional development, and audio communication.

For example, in many universities, especially in fields such as engineering or IT, students use various applications to exchange ideas and receive quick feedback from instructors, which would take much more time in offline settings. In this respect, the Internet has surpassed television, radio, and other media in attractiveness.

Several scholars have also emphasized the impact of the Internet. In particular, Sampasa-Kanyinga and Lewis studied the relationship between social media use and psychological distress. They
found that using social networks for more than two hours a day is associated with higher levels of psychological pressure. Banjanin et al. examined the relationship between excessive social media use and depression but found no statistically significant relationship between the two variables.

Frison and Eggermont studied different patterns of Facebook use, perceived social support on social networks, and mood among male and female students. They found a positive relationship between both passive and active Facebook use and depression, with perceived social support acting as a mediating factor. Gender was also identified as a moderating variable.

Vernon et al. examined changes in negative emotional investment in social networks and their relationship with depression and externalizing behaviors.

Their study showed that excessive attention to social networks increased depression among adolescent students, which was associated with sleep disturbances. Barry et al. explored the relationship between adolescents’ social media use and psychological adjustment, finding a moderate positive association between social media activity, depression, and anxiety. A study
conducted in China by Li et al. showed that insomnia played a mediating role in the relationship between social media addiction and depression among middle school students.

In the same year, Yan et al. studied the relationship between time spent on social networks and anxiety among middle school students, finding that more than two hours of use was significantly associated with higher anxiety levels. However, despite its many benefits, the Internet also has negative consequences, often affecting
mental health by increasing depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.

In particular, the concept known as FOMO (fear of missing out) describes the strong anxiety experienced when individuals feel excluded while observing others’ successes. In short, excessive Internet use can contribute to various mental health issues.

Conclusion: In conclusion, social networks today have a significant impact on the upbringing and daily lives of young people. Therefore, developing a culture of conscious and purposeful use of social networks—aligned with personal values and goals—is a key factor in ensuring students lead successful and healthy daily lives.

References:

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(2021). Bernacki, M. L., Vosicka, L., & Utz, J. C. (2020).