Exploring the Bright and Dark Sides of Social Media Use on Academic Performance: Contrasting Effects on Actual vs. Perceived Performance

ABSTRACT Background The use of social media among students has become debatable concern due to both positive and negative effects on academic performance. Yet, understanding of the diverse patterns of social media use and their influence on actual and perceived academic performance remains limited. Objectives This study distinguishes between academic and excessive social media usage that predicts academic performance while considering academic motivation as a predictive antecedent variable. Methods A sample of 887 high school students participated in this study through an online questionnaire. The research model was evaluated using the structural equation modelling approach. Results and Conclusions The results revealed that academic motivation prompts academic social media usage and reduces excessive use. Additionally, academic usage positively impacts perceived academic performance but has no impact on actual performance. Paradoxically, although excessive use doesn't affect perceived academic performance, there is an observed negative impact on actual academic performance. These findings provide valuable insights for students and educators, illuminating the limitations of academic social media usage and highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive social media use.