Beyond doomscrolling: Making the most out of social media as a student

When Shipu Debnath first began preparing for higher studies, he did not have a polished roadmap or an expensive mentor guiding his steps. What he had, however, was a Facebook account, a curious mind, and the instinct to pay attention to what people were sharing online. 

That instinct changed everything.

"From the very beginning of my journey towards higher studies, social media has played quite a helpful role in providing information, building networks, understanding the skills required, and staying motivated," said the graduate student of geography at Texas Tech University.

Social media platforms, often maligned as distractions, can actually become powerful academic allies when approached with purpose and strategy, as reflected by Shipu's experience.

The landscape of higher education has changed dramatically over the past decade. Gone are the days when university notice boards and classroom announcements were the primary sources of information about academic opportunities. Today's students are increasingly turning to their social feeds for everything from scholarship announcements to research developments.

"Back when I was an undergraduate student, I came across various opportunities — scholarships, seminars, workshops — through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I actually learned about the overall process and steps of applying for higher studies mostly through social media," Shipu said.

For many students, this access to information represents a levelling of the playing field. Those without connections to academic mentors or family members who have navigated higher education can find guidance and opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden.

Building a network

Perhaps one of the most transformative aspects of social media for students has been the ability to build professional networks long before entering the workforce.

LinkedIn, once considered primarily a job-hunting platform, has evolved into a space where students can connect with potential mentors, researchers, and peers in their field.

"To connect and build networks with university teachers, students, and researchers, I actively used LinkedIn and Facebook. I received valuable advice and guidance from them along the way," noted Shipu. "Study groups and Reddit threads were also incredibly helpful throughout the journey, allowing me to make informed decisions."

Hasan Mahmud Samrut, an HR Executive at the US-Bangla group said, "As a student, social media offers a space to share your thoughts with like-minded people. You can use it for networking, or even for personal branding if that is something you are interested in."

These connections often extend beyond the virtual world. Study groups formed on Facebook or WhatsApp frequently evolve into in-person collaborations, creating communities of practice that enhance learning outcomes.

The digital introduction becomes a doorway to meaningful academic or professional relationships.

Communities of learning

The isolation that can sometimes accompany rigorous academic pursuits has found an unexpected antidote in social media communities.

Subject-specific groups, subreddits on Reddit, and even Twitter threads have become spaces where students can share struggles, celebrate victories, and exchange valuable insights.

Bayezid Khan Rajib, a soft skills trainer and a lecturer at the Department of Journalism, Communication and Media Studies at the State University of Bangladesh, said, "Many people have a variety of interests — some might be preparing for the BCS exams, others may be aiming for higher studies, while some are focused on government or private sector jobs. There are also those who are passionate about learning and skill development. For almost all of these interests, there are support groups and discussion pages on social media. You can simply follow the pages or groups that align with your goals."

Shipu found this aspect particularly valuable: "Social media also helped me understand which skills are necessary to succeed academically, and why. I picked up lots of tips on GIS, which I use in my academic studies and research on Geography."

"I have also learned many academic study techniques, and academic writing from various content creators on these platforms," Shipu added.

"It is also a great way to find out about learning opportunities, workshops, or skill development courses happening around you — or even online," said Samrut.

For students trying to map their educational journey against future career prospects, this intelligence gathering function is invaluable.

Following industry leaders, professional organisations, and thought leaders provides early warning signals about which skills will be in demand by the time they enter the workforce.

Mileage in research

Social media, especially Twitter, has transformed research by enabling academics to share preprints, discuss methods, and recruit PhD candidates.

"Twitter, in particular, was really useful for keeping track of which researchers were working on what, and which journals were publishing work relevant to my field," Shipu shared.

This real-time access to developing research conversations gives students insights that might previously have taken months or years to filter through to textbooks or lectures.

It also democratises access to knowledge, making cutting-edge discussions available to students regardless of their institution's library budget or conference travel funds.

Building a professional identity

Perhaps one of the most forward-looking benefits of social media for students is the opportunity to begin crafting a professional identity long before entering the job market. By sharing academic accomplishments, thoughtful commentary, and even original work, students can establish themselves as emerging voices in their fields.

"I used to share my work and publications on LinkedIn, which helped me build a professional image," said Shipu, describing a practice that positions students advantageously for future opportunities.

Bayezid put practical advice on this front: "If someone's interested in personal branding or wants to develop their own distinct voice, social media can help with that too. Whether you are into debating, singing, or photography — everyone has the potential to build a strong personal brand. If you are looking to create a professional presence, LinkedIn is a great platform to use. Facebook can work too, but, you know — LinkedIn offers a more professional appearance."

Smart usage is the key

Despite these benefits, social media remains a double-edged sword. Social media can boost learning but also distract through endless scrolling and algorithms; intentional use is key.

"Social media, when used wisely, can be a powerful tool for both personal and academic growth," Samrut emphasised.

"I genuinely believe that if someone can use social media smartly, it can make their academic journey a lot smoother," said Shipu.

This smart usage typically involves setting clear boundaries — perhaps using website blockers during focused study periods, turning off notifications, or consciously curating feeds to ensure they serve educational goals rather than undermining them, as suggested by Bayezid, that he himself follows.

Bayezid pointed to an even broader possibility: "Finally, social media can also be used as a source of income, depending on how you approach it — students can start their own business, or content creation journey."