Endless Scrolling, Endless Struggles: How Social Media Influences the Path to Leaving School.

Abstract

The proliferation of social media platforms has transformed the way young people engage with their social and academic worlds. While social media offers valuable opportunities for connection and self-expression, growing evidence suggests it may also contribute to the troubling trend of school dropout. This study investigates the complex relationship between social media use and educational disengagement among high school students. The research explores how excessive social media consumption, cyberbullying, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead students down a path toward leaving school prematurely. The findings reveal that heavy social media users are more likely to experience academic difficulties, mental health challenges, and a diminished sense of belonging - all of which are strongly linked to higher dropout rates