Students' character development in engaging with social media in Malaysia: a preliminary study

Social media has become an integral part of students' daily lives, profoundly influencing their attitudes and character. According to data released by DateReportal: Global Digital Insight, as of January 2023, the use of social media in Malaysia was 26.8 million, representing 78.5% of the total population. The highest use of the internet among teenagers is for online communication, at 96.3%; followed by social media, at 89.3%; and finding learning materials, which is relatively low, at 68.6%. On average, Internet users in Malaysia spend 2 hours and 47 minutes using social media daily, which is higher than the global average of 2 hours and 31 minutes. By employing a critical review analysis method, this study seeks to identify social media engagement among secondary school students in Malaysia. The study identified themes related to students' character development in engaging with social media in Malaysia, categorizing them as positive and negative influences on character development, self-regulation, identity formation, and the role of digital literacy and guidance. This preliminary study highlights the need for further research to explore the long- term effects of social media on students' character development in Malaysia. Policymakers, educators, and parents must work together to create an environment that maximizes the benefits of social media while mitigating its risks.