Social media and education: A sociological study of perceptions, use and impact among youth in Aizawl

This study explores the intersection of social media and education among youth in Aizawl, Mizoram, offering a sociological perspective on its usage, perceptions, and impacts. With platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram increasingly integrated into academic routines, the research investigates how these tools are reshaping educational engagement and information exchange. Based on quantitative data collected through structured surveys of individuals aged 18 to 30 from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, the study highlights both the benefits and challenges of digital engagement in learning environments.

Theoretical grounding is provided by Technological Determinism and the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT), enabling a balanced analysis of how technology shapes, and is shaped by, social context. Findings indicate that social media enhances accessibility to knowledge, fosters collaborative learning, and supports real-time academic communication. However, drawbacks such as distraction, procrastination, addiction, misinformation, and concerns about data privacy were also reported.

This research underscores the dual nature of social media’s educational role simultaneously enabling and impeding academic development. The study recommends targeted digital literacy initiatives, institutional policies, and teacher preparedness to optimize its educational potential. It contributes to broader discussions on digital education in India, emphasizing the importance of context-specific sociological inquiry