The Impact of Social Media on the Memory of Students: A Case Study of Rokhan University

Abstract

This study explores the impact of social media usage on memory retention,
concentration, and academic performance among students at the Rokhan
University. This is a quantitative study; a convenience sampling technique was
used, and the data were collected from 372 students across five faculties via a
structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data
through Microsoft Excel .The findings indicate that 60.22% of students believe
social media negatively impacts their memory retention, with 71.24%
reporting a decline in concentration and 58.06% indicating that social media
interferes with their academic tasks. Additionally, a significant portion 61.83%
of students reported experiencing mental stress, and 75% reported mental
fatigue as a result of social media use. Regarding usage patterns, 77.42% of
students spend 1–3 hours daily on social media, with the majority 53.76%
using it for educational purposes. Despite the negative impacts on memory and
concentration, 39.78% of students did not perceive social media as harmful to
memory, suggesting the presence of potential coping mechanisms.
Furthermore, while 55.11% of students felt social media hindered their
learning, 24.73% found it beneficial for accessing educational resources and
facilitating peer interactions. These findings reflect the dual impact of social
media on students’ cognitive functions. While it impairs some students’
memory and focus, it also supports educational engagement for others. The
study highlights the importance of balanced social media use to maximize its
benefits and reduce negative cognitive effects.
Keywords: Impact, Social Media, Memory, Students, Rokhan University