UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA USE TRENDS AMONG UNIQUE STUDENTS

Abstract

Social media has become an increasingly prominent part of daily life, even among elementary students, who are beginning to engage with these platforms in ways that reflect their unique developmental stages and educational needs. This study explores the social media use trends among elementary students with distinct characteristics, including those with learning disabilities, from diverse cultural backgrounds, or in non-traditional educational settings. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative surveys of 150 students with qualitative interviews of a subset of 30 participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these young learners use social media. The findings reveal that unique elementary students are active and intentional users of social media, leveraging these platforms for educational purposes, social interaction, and cultural connectivity. However, the study also highlights significant risks associated with early social media use, such as exposure to inappropriate content and the potential for cyberbullying. These results underscore the need for tailored digital literacy education, parental guidance, and policy interventions to ensure that social media serves as a positive force in the development of these young learners.