The Role of Social Media Networking in Shaping Academic Performance

Abstract. This study investigates how social media networking influences the academic performance of Senior High School students in the General Academic Strand at Buenavista Integrated School, Zamboanga City, during the 2024–2025 school year. Social media has become a central part of students’ daily lives, often serving as a tool for research, collaboration, and academic engagement. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample of students. Findings reveal that platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are widely used for academic support, particularly in research activities. Students’ academic performance in the 3rd quarter was rated “Very Satisfactory,” with a mean score of 89.38. No significant differences were observed across demographic groups, suggesting that social media’s academic impact is consistent among students. The study concludes that when effectively integrated into the academic environment, social media networking can enhance learning outcomes, especially in research and collaborative tasks. However, it also emphasizes the need for guidelines and training to maximize benefits while minimizing distractions. By addressing the limited research on social media use in Senior High School education, this study provides insights for educators and policymakers on how to harness social media as a constructive academic tool. Keywords: Academic Performance, Social Media, Networking, Senior High School