Exploring Social Media Usage and Challenges in Knowledge Sharing Among Research Students at the University of the Punjab, Lahore

Abstract

Social media has emerged as a vital tool for knowledge sharing among research students, transforming academic collaboration and communication. This study explores the patterns of social media usage for knowledge sharing among research students at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, and investigates the challenges they encounter. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 research students (150 males, 200 females) from various departments. The results revealed that research students frequently used social media platforms such as Slide Share, instant messaging, blogs, wikis, and WhatsApp for knowledge sharing. However, they faced challenges including lack of expertise in using social networking technologies, financial constraints, time management issues, and institutional policies. Gender significantly affected perceptions of challenges in knowledge sharing through social media, with males reporting higher levels of perceived challenges compared to females. Education level did not significantly influence perspectives on the usage of social media for knowledge sharing or the challenges encountered. The findings highlight the need for institutions to provide training and support to enhance research students' digital literacy and effectively integrate social media into academic frameworks. Addressing the identified challenges and fostering a supportive environment for knowledge sharing through social media can contribute to a more collaborative and innovative academic community.

Keywords: Knowledge Sharing; Social Media; Research Students; University of the Punjab, Lahore; Usage; Challenges; Academic Collaboration; Engagement