Social media is often seen as a major distraction from studying – but what if it could actually help? With platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit filled with educational content, many students are now turning to social media for study tips, explanations, and motivation. But does it really work? Let’s take a closer look into how social media can be used for learning, along with its potential drawbacks.
The Rise of Educational Content:
Gone are the days when social media was purely amusing entertainment. Now, platforms are flooded with bite-sized study hacks, tutorial videos, and discussion forums that aim to make learning easier and more engaging for the masses.
- TikTok – With its short, fast-paced videos, TikTok has become a surprising hub for learning. Accounts such as @studywithme and @sci.explained help break down complex topics into digestible clips, with hashtags like #Studywithme and #LearnOnTikTok providing quick tips on everything from essay writing to exam preparation.
- YouTube – Quoted as being the “University of the Internet”, YouTube offers in-depth tutorials, crash courses, and lectures from experts. Channels like CrashCourse, Khan Academy, and SciShow make difficult subjects more easy to understand. You may even notice that teachers themselves sometimes use YouTube to explain concepts, validating its effectiveness.
- Reddit – Subreddits like r/AskAcademia and r/ExplainedLikeImFive allow students to ask questions and engage in discussions with experts and fellow learners, with study communities like r/GetStudying also offering motivation and productivity tips.
Why Students Are Turning to Social Media for Studying:
Social media’s appeal as a study tool ultimately lies in its accessibility and visual appeal. Unlike long textbook chapters, social media presents information in short, attention-grabbing formats, making it much easier to absorb. Need a quick explanation of a math problem? A quick Google search often yields a solution in seconds, with an endless amount of YouTube videos and Reddit discussions to dive into.
The Drawbacks of Studying on Social Media:
While social media can be a great learning tool, it’s not without its downsides.
- Distractions: The biggest risk is falling into the ‘doom scroll’. One minute you’re watching a history recap, the next you’re deep into cat videos.
- Misinformation: Not all content is accurate, and anyone can post educational content, but not everyone is an expert. Relying on unverified sources can lead to misunderstandings.
- Shallow Learning: Quick videos may help with memorisation, but they often lack the depth needed for critical thinking and long-term retention.
How to Use Social Media for Studying (the Right Way!)
If you want to make social media work for your studies without getting sidetracked, here are some tips:
- Follow Credible Sources: Stick to verified educators, science communicators, and well-reviewed content creators.
- Set Time Limits: Use study-friendly browser extensions or app timers such as StayFocus or SelfControl to keep your social media learning sessions focused.
- Use It as a supplement, not a replacement: Social media should support traditional studying methods, not replace them entirely. While it can provide quick summaries and answers, it often lacks the depth and accuracy of textbooks and classroom discussions. Using social media as an add on instead of a substitute is key.
- Fact-Check Information: Always cross-reference what you learn with textbooks or teachers. Misinformation spreads easily online, so double-checking facts ensures you’re not relying on misleading or outdated content.
Final Verdict: Study Hack or Distraction?
Social media can be a powerful study tool if used correctly. It offers quick explanations, engaging visuals, and access to a global network of learners. However, it’s also a potential distraction and a source of misinformation. The key is balance. Using it wisely with traditional study methods and staying mindful of its limitations. So next time you reach for your phone during a study break, ask yourself: Are you learning, or just scrolling?
28th February, 2025
Written by Chiron Yung, edited by Aaron Huang & Emma Li
Photo by New York Times
