ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SOCIAL NETWORKS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS USING A STANDARDIZED KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONNAIRE: IMPACT OF AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION

DOI: https://doie.org/10.65985/jbse.2025192434

Elango Ramakrishnan, Fabiola M. Dhanaraj, Venkatesh Madan Kumar, Vijay Anand S, Raja M, Sinimol R.P

Keywords:

Social networks, IEC intervention, college students, knowledge assessment, digital literacy, educational intervention

Abstract:

Social networking platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok are integral to the daily lives of college students, influencing communication, learning, and socialization. However, excessive and unsafe use exposes students to risks including misinformation, addiction, privacy breaches, cyberbullying, and unhealthy lifestyle changes. Structured educational interventions aimed at enhancing digital literacy are essential to promote safe and responsible social media use. Methods: A comparative experimental study was conducted with 400 college students aged 18–23 years in Chennai, divided equally into experimental and control groups. A standardized 20-item knowledge questionnaire assessing awareness of social networks, risks, and safe practices was administered as a pretest and posttest. The experimental group received a two-week Information Education Communication (IEC) package covering social network basics, risks, privacy, addiction management, and safe usage guidelines. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and paired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Pre-intervention, most participants demonstrated inadequate or moderate baseline knowledge, with no significant difference between groups. Post-intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in adequate knowledge (76% vs. 3% in controls, p < 0.001). Marked improvement was seen in recognizing professional networks, addiction thresholds, and safe sharing practices. The control group showed minimal or no improvement. Conclusion: The standardized questionnaire effectively assessed college students' digital literacy regarding social networks. The IEC educational intervention significantly improved knowledge and promoted safer social media behaviors. Integrating such educational programs into college curricula can foster responsible technology use and enhance students' online well-being.

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