Abstract

This study explores the use of social media for educational purposes among postgraduate students at Alagappa University, focusing on how demographic factors such as gender and age influence usage patterns and proficiency. Utilising quantitative methods, including Chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and linear regression, the research examines students’ frequency of use, self-reported proficiency, and their perceptions of social media’s academic benefits. The findings indicate no significant association between gender or age and the frequency or proficiency of social media use. However, a significant positive correlation was found between students’ perceptions of social media as a tool for enhancing course understanding and its other academic benefits, such as collaboration, access to resources, and improved performance. The study concludes that while demographic factors do not significantly affect social media usage, students view it as a supportive educational tool. The paper recommends that institutions integrate social media more effectively into academic settings and support this with libraryled digital literacy programs to maximise its educational potential.

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