THE INFLUENCE OF HIGH SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT ON THE ACADEMIC DELAY HABITS OFFINAL-YEAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This research aims to quantify the significant connection between the frequency and
intensity of time students spend on digital platforms and their propensity to postpone academic
work, particularly during the thesis completion period. In Indonesia, where the number of internet
users is exceptionally large, social media is believed to be a major temptation that diverts focus,
ultimately initiating the habit of academic deferment. We utilized a quantitative approach through
a two-variable correlation study to understand the pattern of this relationship. We selected 130
final-semester students at Merdeka Bangsa University as respondents using a purposive sampling
technique. Data were gathered using two standard assessment scales: an instrument measuring
social media engagement and an instrument assessing academic delaying behavior. Statistical
analysis was performed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient. The results
were clear: there is a significantly positive and moderately strong relationship between the two
variables, indicated by a coefficient (r) of 0.421 and a significance (p) of less than 0.01. This finding
implies that the more frequently and intensely students get 'stuck' on social media, the greater the
likelihood that their college assignments (including their thesis) will be put off. Intensive social
media use contributes approximately 17.7% to the manifestation of this delaying behavior. This
research concludes that training students in digital self-control skills is becoming critically
important