Digital Distraction or Learning Tool? A Cross-sectional Study on Social Media Use and Academic Outcomes among Undergraduate Medical Students

ReseaRch aRticleas a key channel for accessing medical knowledge, case studies, research updates, and professional content shared by experts and institutions.These platforms enhance learning, promote teamwork, and support continuous knowledge acquisition.10 Beyond academics, SM is also used by students for informal conversations, coordinating social and educational events, IntroductIonSocial media (SM) refers to digital platforms that allow users to communicate, share content, and interact instantly in a global networked environment.1 Currently, SM usage accounts for approximately 63.7% of the global population. 2 Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have become integral to young adults' daily routines.1 Youth today are increasingly encouraged to use SM to access and retrieve information, interact digitally, and contribute as content creators and consumers.3 Studies show that about 75% of students actively engage with various SM platforms, and 20% of them specifically use SM for educational purposes-such as collaborative learning, academic discussions, and skill enhancement.4,5 In education, SM facilitates content creation and sharing, access to mentors and experts, and discussions that transcend formal classroom boundaries.6 During the COVID-19 pandemic, SM usage surged significantly, further embedding it into students' learning routines.7 Medical students, in particular, show extensive use of SM.They share and consume information through videos, audio, text, and images.7 Many use SM for educational tasks, including academic forums, project discussions, communication with peers and faculty, and preparation for assignments and presentations.8,9 The evolving medical curriculum promotes e-learning, and SM serves