The influence of TikTok on academic performance among university students at UiTM Alor Gajah, Melaka

This study examines the impact of TikTok usage on academic performance and student distraction among university students at UiTM Alor Gajah, Melaka. The study employed a quantitative research approach, utilizing a survey distributed to 369 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis via SPSS software. The findings indicate that entertainment, information-seeking, and fashion trends are the primary reasons students engage with TikTok. While students recognize TikTok as a source of distraction and time consumption, its direct negative impact on academic performance remains moderate. The correlation analysis shows a significant relationship between TikTok usage and distraction (r = .309, p < .01), as well as between distraction and academic performance (r = .449, p < .01), indicating that distraction plays a more critical role in influencing students’ academic outcomes than TikTok usage alone. Despite the moderate correlation between TikTok usage and academic performance (r = .347, p < .01), students generally perceive the platform as safe and manageable, suggesting that its effects depend largely on individual time management. The study highlights the need for self-regulation strategies to mitigate distractions and optimize TikTok’s potential for educational purposes. Future research should explore digital literacy programs and intervention strategies to help students balance social media engagement and academic responsibilities effectively. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on the role of social media in higher education and underscore the importance of responsible digital consumption among university students.