The role of social media in enhancing academic literacy and critical thinking among university students

Hava Mustafa

Abstract

In today’s digital environment, social media has become an inseparable part of stu­dents’ daily lives, shaping their cognitive, affective, and behavioural engagement with learning. This study examines the role and impact of social media use on the de­velopment of academic literacy and critical thinking among university students. The excessive and unregulated use of digital platforms has been linked to a decline in traditional reading and writing habits, which can negatively affect academic perfor­mance. Nevertheless, when used purposefully, social media can serve as a meaning­ful educational tool that promotes reflective learning and engagement. A systematic review of relevant literature and existing studies was conducted, complemented by qualitative data collected through semi-structured questionnaires administered to uni­versity students. The findings reveal that although many students possess substantial knowledge of social media and perceive it as beneficial for developing critical thinking, notable differences exist in their awareness of digital ethics and the evaluation of cred­ible sources. The study highlights the importance of integrating digital literacy, ethical awareness, and critical information evaluation into higher education curricula. By fos­tering responsible and informed use of social media, educators can enhance students’ academic literacy and critical thinking skills, preparing them for active and reflective participation in the digital academic landscape.2

Keywords: social media, academic literacy, critical thinking, university students