Social Media and Knowledge Sharing: Impact on Academic Development in Public Universities of Kanpur

Abstract

Background Context
Education have been profoundly impacted by social networking, which has completely changed the way we acquire and exchange information.  Since social media is interactive, it makes learning more effective by giving people a forum for conversations and information sharing. Social media platforms have significantly influenced how individuals interact and exchange information, impacting educational practices by enabling students to share and access knowledge more effectively. This shift is particularly relevant in academic environments where collaborative learning and resource accessibility are crucial.

Knowledge Gap
Despite extensive social media usage among students, limited research addresses its specific impacts on academic growth in public universities, especially in regional contexts like Kanpur, India. This study seeks to fill this gap by exploring how social media supports academic development, focusing on factors like trust, collaboration, communication, and perceived benefits.

Methods
Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires from students across three major public universities in Kanpur. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the relationships between social media use and academic outcomes, emphasizing mediating factors such as family and technological support.

Key Findings
The analysis shows that social media interactions notably enhance academic development by building trust, fostering collaboration, and promoting effective knowledge sharing. Support from family and access to technology further strengthen these benefits, positively influencing students’ academic engagement and performance.

Implications
These findings suggest that educational institutions should consider integrating digital collaboration tools into their academic frameworks and support policies that enhance family and technological access. Such initiatives can help students leverage social media effectively for academic growth, making it a valuable educational resource. Future research might expand on these insights through longitudinal studies to capture evolving academic-social media dynamics.