Social media has become the heartbeat of campus life. Students now spend a large part of their day online, scrolling, posting, and following trends. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat set the pace for how many students talk, dress, and behave. One student at Moi University admitted, “You just can’t avoid it. Everyone is posting their outfits or lifestyles, and you start feeling pressured to keep up.”
Across hostels and lecture halls, social media trends dictate conversations. Some students now copy dressing styles and behaviors from influencers or celebrities they follow online. “You see people wearing what they saw on TikTok, even if it’s not suitable for class,” noted a student leader from Eldoret.
Experts say social media promotes both inspiration and imitation. While some use it to learn or network, others end up copying everything they see, including harmful behavior. “Some students now spend more time watching explicit content online than studying,” a campus counselor revealed. Parents also worry that moral discipline has weakened since social media has become an integral part of daily life.
How are students coping?
Some try to balance online fun with their studies, while others feel overwhelmed by the need to appear “perfect” online. “You post something, and if people don’t like or comment, you feel bad,” said one third-year student. Lecturers have observed a decline in student attention in class, as many students check their phones during lectures.
Can universities help students manage social media pressure?
Some institutions are introducing digital awareness sessions, but experts say more needs to be done to guide students on responsible media use. A sociologist from Moi University observed, “Students are living two lives, one on social media and one in reality. The danger is when the online life starts controlling the real one.”A youth counselor added, “Exposure to inappropriate online material is shaping behavior faster than any classroom lesson.”
Social media has transformed campus culture, influencing fashion, behavior, and morality. While it connects students to the world, it also exposes them to pressures and content that threaten their focus and values. The challenge now is clear: students must learn to use social media wisely before it uses them.
By Modester Nasimiyu
