Navigating the University Transition: The Role of Social Media in Student Wellbeing and Adjustment

Cunningham-Bell, Jacob Conor, Ransley, Sascha, Brar, Simran, Limniou, Maria ORCID: 0000-0002-6317-4038, Raja, Munira and Hands, Caroline ORCID: 0000-0002-0898-8258 (2026) Navigating the University Transition: The Role of Social Media in Student Wellbeing and Adjustment Trends in Higher Education, 5 (3). 54-. ISSN 2813-4346, 2813-4346

Access the full-text of this item by clicking on the Open Access link.

Abstract

The transition to university is a critical period of academic, social, and emotional adjustment. Social media plays a central yet complex role, offering opportunities for connection while also posing risks to wellbeing, productivity, and social integration. This study explores how first-year undergraduates experience and interprets their social media use during this transition. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, nine focus groups were conducted with 40 first-year students at a UK university. Analysis generated a model conceptualising social media as a ‘double-edged sword’ within the broader social transition. Five interrelated themes were identified: social transition, polarised attitudes, quality of social connection, wellbeing support, and quantity and form of use. Social media supported early connection-building, maintaining peer ties, and accessing support, yet excessive or passive use intensified social comparison, fear of missing out, and academic distraction. Students recognised problematic use themselves, often prompting peer intervention to restore balance. Form, purpose, and perceived impact shaped experiences more than time spent. Findings highlight the importance of student agency, peer networks, and institutional support, offering implications for promoting healthy social media practices, wellbeing, and smoother transitions to university life.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	4701 Communication and Media Studies, 47 Language, Communication and Culture, 39 Education, Behavioral and Social Science, Basic Behavioral and Social Science
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > Psychology
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2026 10:50
Last Modified:	18 Jul 2026 01:39
DOI:	10.3390/higheredu5030054
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu5030054
Related Websites:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3199242
Disclaimer:	The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate.