• Research Articles

    Influence of social networks on the thinking, behavior and well-being of students of the FCEA – UNACAR

    Vol. 28 No. 2 (2026)
    Published: 2026-07-06
    Alonso Contreras Ávila
    Universidad Autónoma del Carmen image/svg+xml
    Myrna Delfina López Noriega
    Universidad Autónoma del Carmen image/svg+xml
    Lorena Zalthen Hernández
    Universidad Autónoma del Carmen image/svg+xml

    This study analyzes the influence of social media on the thinking, behavior, and well-being of students at the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences (FCEA) of the Autonomous University of Carmen (UNACAR). Using a descriptive quantitative approach, a questionnaire was administered to 287 students, exploring three dimensions: social media use, impact on thinking and behavior, and mental health and well-being. The results show that platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook not only serve recreational functions but also influence the construction of values related to love, professional success, and self-image. Furthermore, a coexistence of traditional and digital references was identified, as well as an ambivalent relationship with emotional well-being. The study offers a useful diagnostic tool to guide media literacy strategies and the promotion of digital well-being. Finally, it is recommended that future research be expanded to include comparative and qualitative approaches to further explore the meanings of young people’s digital practices.

    Keywords: social media, university student, student behavior, social influence, digital critical thinking

    How to Cite

    Contreras Ávila, A., López Noriega, M. D., & Zalthen Hernández, L. (2026). Influence of social networks on the thinking, behavior and well-being of students of the FCEA – UNACAR. Rastros Rostros, 28(2), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.16925/

    Ajewumi, O., Magbagbeola, V., Kalu, O., Ike, R., Folajimi, O., & Diyaolu, C. (2024). The impact of social media on mental health and well-being. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 24(01), 107–121. [https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.1.3027](https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.1.3027)

    Anjum, R., Naeem, Z., Chaudhary, A. A., Asif, Q.- ul- ain, & Rehman, A. (2024). The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Well-Being and Academic Performance. Journal of Education and Social Studies, 5(2), 426–434. [https://doi.org/10.52223/jess.2024.5223](https://doi.org/10.52223/jess.2024.5223)

    Arreguín Hernández, A. Y. (2025). Redes sociales, imagen corporal y salud mental en estudiantes de la FES Zaragoza UNAM. Psic-Obesidad, 14(55), 24–31. [https://doi.org/10.22201/fesz.20075502e.2024.14.55.91651](https://doi.org/10.22201/fesz.20075502e.2024.14.55.91651)

    Astleitner, H., & Schlick, S. (2024). The social media use of college students: Exploring identity development, learning support, and parallel use. Active Learning in Higher Education, 26(1), 231-254. [https://doi.org/10.1177/14697874241233605](https://doi.org/10.1177/14697874241233605)

    Balaguer, J., & Alberich-Pascual, J. (2023). Collaborative modes of audiovisual media: literature review and conceptual proposal. Studies in Documentary Film, 18(2), 91–107. [https://doi.org/10.1080/17503280.2023.2272772](https://doi.org/10.1080/17503280.2023.2272772)

    Baqir A, Galeazzi A, Zollo F (2024) News and misinformation consumption: A temporal comparison across European countries. PLoS ONE 19(5): e0302473. [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302473](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302473)

    Bednarek, S., Górski, M., Załęska, A., Bychowski, M., Kwaśna, J., Kaźmierczyk, I., Lenart, K., Homza, M., Zakrzewska, N., & Kulicka, J. (2024). The Psychological Effects of Social Media Use: Insights from Combined Research on Adolescents’ Mental Health. Quality in Sport, 35, 56340. [https://doi.org/10.12775/qs.2024.35.56340](https://doi.org/10.12775/qs.2024.35.56340)

    Bucheli, M., y Terán, F. (2020). WhatsApp como recurso para el trabajo grupal en estudiantes universitarios. Apertura. [https://doi.org/10.32870/AP.V12N2.1911](https://doi.org/10.32870/AP.V12N2.1911)

    Calderon, L. Z., Tabladillo, K. J., & Galeon, K. A. (2025). Philippine University Students’ Exposure To Political Promotion On Tiktok and Their Political Participation. International Journal of Global Community, 8(1), 55 - 76. [https://doi.org/10.33473/ijgc-ri.v8i1.262](https://doi.org/10.33473/ijgc-ri.v8i1.262)

    Craig, S. L., Eaton, A. D., McInroy, L. B., Leung, V. W. Y., & Krishnan, S. (2021). Can Social Media Participation Enhance LGBTQ+ Youth Well-Being? Development of the Social Media Benefits Scale. Social Media + Society, 7(1). [https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305121988931](https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305121988931)

    Efstratiou, A., & De Cristofaro, E. (2022). Adherence to Misinformation on Social Media Through Socio-Cognitive and Group-Based Processes. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 6, 1 - 35. [https://doi.org/10.1145/3555589](https://doi.org/10.1145/3555589)

    Goet, J. (2022). Impact of social media on Academic Performance of Students. KIC International Journal of Social Science and Management, 1(1), 35–42. [https://doi.org/10.3126/kicijssm.v1i1.51100](https://doi.org/10.3126/kicijssm.v1i1.51100)

    Górska, D., Świercz, K., Majcher, M., Sierpień, M., Majcher, M., Pikulicka, A., Karwańska, A., Kulbat, A., Brzychczy, P. & Kulbat, M. (2023). The Influence of social media on developing body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 22(1), 56–62. [https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2023.22.01.005](https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2023.22.01.005)

    Harff, D., & Schmuck, D. (2024). Who Relies on Social Media Influencers for Political Information? A Cross-Country Study Among Youth. The International Journal of Press/Politics, 30(3), 841-864. [https://doi.org/10.1177/19401612241234898](https://doi.org/10.1177/19401612241234898)

    Hayes, A. F., & Coutts, J. J. (2020). Use Omega Rather than Cronbach’s Alpha for Estimating Reliability. But.... Communication Methods and Measures, 14(1), 1–24. [https://doi.org/10.1080/19312458.2020.1718629](https://doi.org/10.1080/19312458.2020.1718629)

    Huang C. (2020) A meta-analysis of the problematic social media use and mental health. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 68(1), 12-33. doi:10.1177/0020764020978434

    Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. (2022). Estadísticas a propósito del día internacional de la juventud. Comunicado de prensa núm. 436/22.

    Junejo, H, K., Hussain, N. & Lashari, A. R. (2022). Social Media Usage among University Students and its Impact on Academic Performance, Learning Attitudes and Subjective Wellbeing. Pakistan Social Sciences Review, 6(2), 678-688. [http://doi.org/10.35484/pssr.2022(6-II)57](http://doi.org/10.35484/pssr.2022%286-II%2957)

    Kolhar, M., Kazi, R., & Alameen, A. (2021). Effect of social media use on learning, social interactions, and sleep duration among university students. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28, 2216 - 2222. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.01.010](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.01.010)

    Kumar, N. (2023). Impact of social media on students. Journal on Innovations in Teaching and Learning, 2(2), 21-26. [https://doi.org/10.46632/jitl/2/2/3](https://doi.org/10.46632/jitl/2/2/3)

    Kumar, S., S., Singh, K., Rastogi, S., & Singh, N. (2025). Social Media and Knowledge Sharing: Impact on Academic Development in Public Universities of Kanpur. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management, 10(3s). [https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i3s.362](https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i3s.362)

    Li, S. (2023). The Impact of Social Media on Intimate Relationships among Chinese College Students. BCP Education & Psychology, 9, 132-138. [https://doi.org/10.54691/bcpep.v9i.4673](https://doi.org/10.54691/bcpep.v9i.4673)

    Lozano - Blasco, R., Latorre - Cosculluela, C., & Quílez - Robres, A. (2020). Social Network Addiction and Its Impact on Anxiety Level among University Students. Sustainability, 12(13), 5397. [https://doi.org/10.3390/su12135397](https://doi.org/10.3390/su12135397)

    Mahmuda, S., & Badsha, N. (2024). A Study on the Perception of Love Relationships among University Students. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. [https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.806139](https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.806139)

    Marciano, L., Lin, J., Sato, T., Saboor, S., & Viswanath, K. (2024). Does social media use make us happy? A meta-analysis on social media and positive well-being outcomes. SSM - Mental Health. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2024.100331](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2024.100331)

    McComb, C. A., Vanman, E. J., & Tobin, S. J. (2023). A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Social Media Exposure to Upward Comparison Targets on Self-Evaluations and Emotions. Media Psychology, 26(5), 612–635. [https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2023.2180647](https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2023.2180647)

    Merino, M., Tornero-Aguilera, J., Rubio-Zarapuz, A., Villanueva-Tobaldo, C., Martín-Rodríguez, A., & Clemente-Suárez, V. (2024). Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements on Self-Esteem and Mental Health with a Focus on Body Image Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Cultural and Gender Factors. Healthcare, 12(14), 1396. [https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12141396](https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12141396)

    Mironică, A., Popescu, C., George, D., Tegzeșiu, A. & Gherman, C. (2024). Social Media Influence on Body Image and Cosmetic Surgery Considerations: A Systematic Review. Cureus 16(7). [https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.65626](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.65626)

    Nicolaou, C., Matsiola, M., Karypidou, C., Podara, A., Kotsakis, R., & Kalliris, G. (2021). Media Studies, Audiovisual Media Communications, and Generations: The Case of Budding Journalists in Radio Courses in Greece. Journalism and Media, 2(2), 155-192. [https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia2020010](https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia2020010)

    Orçan, F. (2023). Comparison of cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega for ordinal data: Are they different?. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, 10(4), 709-722. [https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.1271693](https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.1271693)

    Pérez-Torres, V. (2024). Social media: A digital social mirror for identity development during adolescence. Current Psychology: A Journal for Diverse Perspectives on Diverse Psychological Issues, 43(26), 22170–22180. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-05980-z](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-05980-z)

    Popat, A., & Tarrant, C. (2022). Exploring adolescents’ perspectives on social media and mental health and well-being – A qualitative literature review. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 28(1), 323 - 337. [https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045221092884](https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045221092884)

    Powell, J., & Pring, T. (2023). The impact of social media influencers on health outcomes: Systematic review. Social science & medicine, 340, 116472. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116472](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116472)

    Raghuvanshi, G., & Pandey, P. (2025). The Impact of Social Media on Anxiety and Self-Esteem Among University Students. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. [https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2025.66676](https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2025.66676)

    Rahman, S., Ramakrishnan, T., & Ngamassi, L. (2020). Impact of social media use on student satisfaction in Higher Education. Higher Education Quarterly. 74: 304–319. [https://doi.org/10.1111/HEQU.12228](https://doi.org/10.1111/HEQU.12228)

    Sarfraz, M., Ali, M., & Imran, A. (2025). Effects of Social Media on Mental Health: Focusing on Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Social Isolation and Stress on the Public of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Online Media and Society, 6(1), 16-30. [https://doi.org/10.71016/oms/3jxp0122](https://doi.org/10.71016/oms/3jxp0122)

    Shafiq, M., & Parveen, K. (2023). Social media usage: Analyzing its effect on academic performance and engagement of higher education students. International Journal of Educational Development. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2023.102738](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2023.102738)

    Shams, M., Shahid, R., & Raza, S. (2022). Social media and university students: trends and effects studies. Pakistan Journal of Social Research, 4(4), 763-772. [https://doi.org/10.52567/pjsr.v4i04.890](https://doi.org/10.52567/pjsr.v4i04.890)

    Shahzad, M., Xu, S., Lim, W., Yang, X., & Khan, Q. (2024). Artificial intelligence and social media on academic performance and mental well-being: Student perceptions of positive impact in the age of smart learning. Heliyon, 10. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29523](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29523)

    Sharma, M., Kaushal, D., & Joshi, S. (2023). Adverse effect of social media on generation Z user’s behavior: Government information support as a moderating variable. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103256](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103256)

    Taher, T., & Ali, D. (2024). Impact of Internet and Social Media on Academic Performance, Social Interaction, and Mental Health among a Sample of Iraqi University Students. Kufa Medical Journal, 20(1), 1-14. [https://doi.org/10.36330/kmj.v20i1.13900](https://doi.org/10.36330/kmj.v20i1.13900)

    Utami, P., & Dewi, A. (2024). Social Media’s Role in Creating New Fashion Trends. Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities, 4(1), 199-203. [https://doi.org/10.47679/jrssh.v4i1.120](https://doi.org/10.47679/jrssh.v4i1.120)

    Vagka, E., Gnardellis, C., Lagiou, A., & Notara, V. (2024). Smartphone Use and Social Media Involvement in Young Adults: Association with Nomophobia, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and Self-Esteem. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(7), 920. [https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070920](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070920)

    Verduyn, P., Gugushvili, N., Massar, K., Täht, K., & Kross, E. (2020). Social comparison on social networking sites. Current opinion in psychology, 36, 32-37. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.04.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.04.002)

    Wang, J. (2023). The Impact of Social Media on Body Image Perception and Eating Disorders. Journal of Innovations in Medical Research. [https://doi.org/10.56397/jimr/2023.09.06](https://doi.org/10.56397/jimr/2023.09.06)

    Yusuf, A. A. A., Magbol, M., Adam, A. M. H., Al-Zaben, A. H. R., Omer, W. (2024). Impacts of Social Media on Academic Performance and Mental Health of Alzaiem Alazhari University Medical Students (Nov 2020 - June 2021). American Journal of Applied Psychology, 13(2), 20-31. [https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajap.20241302.11](https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajap.20241302.11)

    Zsila, Á., & Reyes, M. (2023). Pros & cons: impacts of social media on mental health. BMC Psychology, 11. [https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01243-x](https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01243-x)

    MÉTRICAS
    ARTICLE VIEWS: 7
    PDF VIEWS: 6