Perceptions of High School Students on Social Media Usage

This research is a phenomenological study that explored the perceptions of high school students in Killarney, a suburb of Bulawayo Zimbabwe, on the impact of social media usage (YouTube, Instagram and TikTok). The aim of the study is to investigate the perceptions of high school students in Killarney regarding the impact of social media usage. Interviews and focus group discussions were used as the primary method of data collection. A diverse group of 12 high school students was selected as the sample population. The data gathered from the interviews and focus group discussions was then analyzed to identify recurring themes and patterns. The findings of the study reveal that the students expressed concerns about the negative consequences, such as addiction, decreased productivity, and a lack of focus on important aspects of life. However, some students also recognize the positive aspects, such as access to educational resources and exposure to diverse perspectives. Based on the findings, the study concludes that high school students in Killarney have mixed perceptions of social media usage. It highlights the need for promoting responsible social media use and finding a healthy balance between online and offline interactions.

Social media, Mental health, High school students, Tiktok, Instagram, YouTube

1. Allen, K. A., Ryan, T., Gray, D. L., McInerney, D. M., & Waters, L. (2014). Social Media Use and Social Connectedness in Adolescents: The Positives and the Potential Pitfalls. The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 31(1), 18–31. https://doi.org/10.1017/edp.2014.2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Al-Turif, G. A. R., & Al-Sanad, H. A. R. (2023). The repercussions of digital bullying on social media users. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1280757. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1280757 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Golzar J., Tajik O., and Noor S. (2022). Convenience Sampling. 1. 72-77. 10.22034/ijels.2022.162981. Retrieved fromhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/366390016_Convenience_Sampling [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Hollenbaugh, Erin & Ferris, Amber. (2014). Facebook self-disclosure: Examining the role of traits, social cohesion, and motives. Computers in Human Behavior. 30. 50–58. 10.1016/j.chb.2013.07.055. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Levenson, J. C., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Colditz, J. B., & Primack, B. A. (2020). The association between social media use and sleep disturbance among young adults. Preventive medicine, 85, 106441. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Livingstone, S., & Haddon, L. (2019). Rethinking Online Safety for Children and Young People: Evidence-Based Policy and Practice. Children and Society, 33(1), 1–5. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Mapuvire H.D., Mapuvire V. (2022). Social Media and Behaviour in Zimbabwe: A Case of the Ruwa Youths in Harare. Retrieved from https://journals.co.za/doi/full/10.55190/ZSDG1347 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1-13. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Odgers, C. L., & Jensen, M. R. (2020). Annual Research Review: Adolescent mental health in the digital age: Facts, fears, and future directions. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 61(3), 336-348. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Sampasa-Kanyinga, H., & Lewis, R. F. (2015). Frequent use of social networking sites is associated with poor psychological functioning among children and adolescents. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 18(7), 380-385. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Smith, J. A. (Ed.). (2015). Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods (3rd ed.). Sage Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Woods HC, Scott H. Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. J Adolesc. 2016;51:41–9. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.05.008. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• A Comparative Study of Adjustment Level, Parental Income and Academic Achievement of Adolescent Girls
• Increase in STIs among Adolescents in Masvingo District
• A Correlation between SDG 4 (Quality Education) and Emotional Disposition of Teacher Educators in Hyderabad District
• Ear Piercing Behaviour and Self-Esteem among Male University Students in Nigeria
• A Study of Religiosity and Psychological Well-Being