THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE INTENSITY ON STUDENTS' LEARNING MOTIVATION AT AL AZHAR HIGH SCHOOL, MEDAN

Abstract

Student performance in the learning process is significantly influenced by their level of enthusiasm, as this is a key factor influencing learning outcomes. Meanwhile, social media has become an integral part of high school students' daily lives, raising questions about the relationship between usage levels and their learning enthusiasm. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the duration of social media use and learning enthusiasm among students at SMA Unggulan Al Azhar Medan. A quantitative approach utilizing a correlational survey design was employed. The study participants were students from SMA Unggulan Al Azhar Medan, selected via a predetermined sampling method. Data collection involved a questionnaire incorporating a learning motivation scale adapted from the ARCS model (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction), alongside a survey to determine the duration and platforms of social media use across different groups. The findings indicate that the relationship between the duration of social media use and learning motivation is neither direct nor simple. Notably, students with high social media usage (more than 8 hours per day) exhibited high learning motivation scores, comparable to those in the low-usage group. Family environmental factors—specifically the role of parental supervision and guidance in managing children's digital activities—likely contribute to this pattern and are discussed as a theoretical framework supporting the interpretation of the results.