The Influence of Social Media on Communication Patterns and Socio-Political Dynamics of Students
Keywords:
Social media; Communication patterns; Youth communication; Social dynamics; Political dynamicsAbstract
The rapid development of social media has significantly transformed communication patterns among adolescents, particularly first-year university students. These students experience a critical phase of social and academic transition that encourages intensive use of social media for communication and social adaptation. This study aims to analyze the influence of social media on the communication patterns of first-semester students at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palangka Raya. A quantitative survey method was employed, involving 150 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a closed-ended Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. The findings indicate that social media has a significant effect on students’ communication patterns. High intensity of use fosters the development of digitally oriented communication and increases comfort in online interactions, while concurrently reducing face-to-face communication. Social media plays a crucial role in students’ social adaptation and also influences their socio-political dynamics by enhancing digital engagement and civic awareness. However, reliance on digital communication presents challenges for the development of interpersonal communication skills. In conclusion, social media exerts a multidimensional influence on both communication patterns and socio-political dynamics among first-year students. Higher education institutions are therefore encouraged to integrate digital literacy and interpersonal communication development into curricula and student activities to promote balanced socio-political participation and effective communication skills in the digital era.
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