Correlation between facebook use, mental health and learning engagement: a case of universities in Surabaya City, Indonesia

Abstract

This study was propelled by the Covid 19 Global Pandemic which necessitates online platforms to replace traditional classrooms than ever before. The study investigated on the perception on and interrelationships between Facebook use, mental health and engagement in learning. Using Descriptive Correlational Design, the study used online questionnaire to collect data from a convenient sample of 253University students with varied demographic characteristics in Surabaya City. The mean age of respondents was 21.5. Cronbach’s Alpha of above 0.7 was established for each variable prior to data analysis. The study established that students did not consider Facebook as a valuable platform for learning. Difference in Facebook use by gender and area of study was not significant. Students’ preferred platforms included Google classroom, WhatsApp and Zoom. Students experienced anxiety and it was not easy for them to cope up with stressful moments. However, they concentrated in learning without any interference from Facebook and took active role in extra-curricular activities, sports and games. Mental health positively influenced students’ engagement while Facebook use enhanced mental health. Therefore, it is recommended that educators should make use of Google Classroom, WhatsApp and Zoom to support students’ engagement. Students need to actively engage in sports and games to overcome potential stressful moments. Educators should take advantage of students’ engagement by introducing alternative social media platforms for further enhancement of learning engagement. Finally, Education stakeholders need to enhance mental health education in order to increase rates of students’ engagement in learning.