Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

Today the Internet has taken a firm place in people's lives. It is difficult to imagine a

young man who at least once a day did not check for updates in social networks and did not scan

through the news lines. The modern reality requires us to stay in touch and keep abreast of the

latest news and trends. However, this trend affects the performance of students. Through social

media platforms such as; Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, students use these as a form of

entertainment, a tool for listening to music, viewing images, communication, and much more.

Social media are online technology platforms that help to connect people together far and near.

They are used to building relationships among people. Social media has greatly simplified our

lives and are tightly tied to ourselves. During the time spent discovering individuals for

acquaintances, youngsters go into different connections and get the chance to speak with a

relatively boundless number of individuals and premium gatherings, with a wide range of

identities, take in a considerable measure of stories, can trade suppositions and talk about issues

important to them. Therefore, users of social networks, in most cases, are a representative of the

younger generation (Talaue, AlSaad, AlRushaidan, et. al., 2018).

Though social media has its positive contribution to our lives, it is also undeniable that

social media has taken it as a tool on teenagers. Several research have proved that many students

rely on the accessibility of information on social media. Lessening focuses on learning and

retaining information (Selvaraj, 2019). Arnold and Paulus (2010) found that even when social

media is used for an educational purpose, students incorporate the technology into their lives in a
way that may differ from the course's learning objectives. Social media can also negatively affect

student GPA as well as the amount of time students spend preparing for class (Annetta et al.,

2009; Junco, 2012).

Problem Statement

The widespread use of social media among students raises concerns about its potential to

distract them during academic activities. While many students frequently check or engage with

social media while studying or attending classes, potentially reducing concentration and

negatively affecting learning outcomes, existing research lacks a clear understanding of the

specific impact of social media distractions on student attention and academic performance.

Most studies address general screen time or internet use, neglecting the unique effects of social

media. This study will therefore explore this significant gap in literature to provide insights for

improving focus and learning in educational settings.

Research Questions

1. What is the level of usage in social media do students have?

2. Do students who spend a lot of time on social media get lower grades than those who

don’t?

3. What is the relationship between social media and students learning outcomes as

mediates by time management, motivation, and attention span?

Conceptual Framework

The framework below presents the conceptual flow of the study. It shows the two

variables treated in the investigation namely the dependent and independent variables.

Independent Variable Independent

Variable

Use of Social Mediating

Media Variables Students Learning
Outcomes
-Frequency of use -Time
management -Academic
-Purpose of Use performance
-Motivation (grade)
-Level of
Engagement -Attention Span

This framework posits that the use of social media influences learning outcomes

either directly or indirectly through factors such as time management, motivation, and attention

span. While excessive or non-educational use of social media may hinder performance due to

distractions, purposeful and collaborative use may enhance understanding engagement, thus

improving learning outcomes.

Theoretical Framework
 A research study explored the relationship between the extent of social media use and

the academic success of selected education students at Western Philippines University. The study

found that the extent of social media uses significantly correlated with students' academic

performance. This evidence indicated that the academic performance of college students is

affected by their social media use (Yambao, June 2020). This finding supports the Time

Displacement Theory, which explains that the time students allocate to social media use can

displace time for academic tasks, leading to a negative effect on their academic success.

However, in an increasingly digital age, social media has evolved into a powerful tool for

students that has the potential to improve the academic performance of students if used better.

Besides being a source of information, it provides platforms for students to collaborate and

communicate with teachers. According to Connectivism Theory, it facilitates learning by

connecting students to various sources of information and enabling them to network with others.

Social media platforms also provide students with access to a vast array of educational resources

and opportunities for networking. It helps them connect with each other, collaborate

academically, and access educational resources. Aside from this, there are several positive effects

of social media on students learning outcomes (K.R Mangalam, World School Gurugram).

This study also incorporates the theory of Attention Restoration Theory (ART).

According to ART, exposure to natural environments or engaging in restorative activities can

restore cognitive resources and improve attention and performance. In the context of managing

digital distractions, strategies that promote mindfulness, self-regulation, and proactive planning

can be considered restorative activities that help students regain focus, reduce cognitive load, and

enhance academic performance (Halubanza, Kadakwiza, and Mulenga, June 2023).

 According to this theory, higher social media use means less time available for

studying or attending classes, which leads to lower performance .Time Displacement Theory

suggests that people have a limited amount of time in a day, and when time is spent on one

activity such as: scrolling through Tiktok, Facebook or Instagram, it reduces the time available

for other important tasks (e.g., studying). This theory directly supports the idea that increased use

of social media negatively impacts on learning outcomes (Omachonu & Akanya, 2019).

Scope and Delimitation

This research study investigates the relationship of social media use in students

learning outcomes of Senior High School Students at Del Monte National High School in Buug,

Zamboanga Sibugay during the school year 2025-2026. The study is limited to specific senior

high students and relies on self-reported data. This research will specify the social media

platforms considered and learning outcomes of the students. The study's timeframe is limited to

one school year and use standardized survey questionnaire.

Significance of the Study

This research is beneficial to the students, parents, teachers, schools, and future

researchers.

To the students, this study would help them understand how social media affects their

studies. This understanding empowers students to develop strategies for mindful social media

use, improving time management, and academic success.

To the parents, the study will benefit the parents, by emphasizing the importance of

parental involvement in their child’s education and how it improves academic success. The
study’s findings can also give parents insight into the most effective ways to support their child’s

education.

To the teachers, this research will aid in recognizing the essential components that

lead to academic success, tailoring their instruction to match the learning preferences of the

honor students, and pinpointing outside of school.

To the school administrators, this study will serve as a guide and reference for them to

have a basis in adjusting school policies and systems for students to help them become effective

learners in hybrid learning. As a result, it can improve the students’ academic performance and

their performance outside the school.

To future researchers, this study would help them understand which students are most

sensitive to social media distractions to help them target support.

Conceptual and Operational Definition of Terms

Social media -refers to websites and apps that allow people to create, share, or

exchange information and ideas in virtual communities (Cambridge Dictionary). In this study, it

refers to apps or platforms like Facebook, Tiktok or Instagram that students use during or before

study time. Also in this study, it investigates the frequency of use, purpose of use, and level of

engagement on social media.

Students -refer to a person who is formally enrolled in a school or educational

institution to gain knowledge (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In this study, it refers to a student

who goes to school, uses social media, and receives grades in class.
 Learning outcomes -refers to a specific statement of what a student is expected to

know, understand, or be able to do because of a learning process (Oxford English Dictionary). In

this study, it refers to a student’s learning process, whether he/she learned or not.

Research Hypothesis

Null: There is no significant relationship between social media usage and the student

learning outcomes.

Alternative: There is a significant relationship between social media usage and

student learning outcomes.