The Impact of Social Media on International Students’ Satisfaction With Life and Academic Performance

• In Event: Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Uses of Technology to Facilitate Student Learning

Abstract

Existing research has not examined the relationship between international students’ social media/Skype use and academic success and satisfaction with life. Through a series of research questions, social media/Skype use in one international student sample (N = 362) was examined. A mixed-methods approach was used incorporating descriptive statistics, open-ended survey questions, and path analysis. The results indicated that there is a positive impact of Social-Networking Site (SNS)/Skype use on satisfaction with life, which in turn, has a positive impact on academic performance. Results highlight the positive impact of social media for international students. University administrators may encourage social media use in order to increase international student satisfaction with life abroad, and thus have a positive impact on their academic performance.

Authors

• Neete Saha, Kent State University - Kent

• Aryn C. Karpinski, Louisiana State University - Health Sciences Center New Orleans