THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE IN VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of social media platforms on student engagement and academic performance in visual arts education. With the growing use of digital tools in creative fields, platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube have become integral to sharing creative works, fostering collaboration, and accessing resources. The primary research problem addresses the need to explore whether these platforms enhance or hinder student engagement and academic outcomes in visual arts programs. The objectives are to assess how social media influences students' creative development, collaborative learning, and overall academic performance. The methodology includes surveys and interviews with visual arts students, analyzing their interactions with social media platforms and how these interactions correlate with academic achievements. Key findings reveal that active use of visual platforms fosters increased engagement, providing opportunities for peer critique, resource sharing, and inspiration, ultimately leading to improved academic performance. However, challenges such as distraction and superficial engagement also emerge as critical concerns. The study concludes that while social media platforms offer valuable tools for enhancing engagement, their use must be carefully structured to optimize learning outcomes in visual arts education.