RELATIONSHIP OF SOCIAL MEDIA MODELLING ON CAREER CHOICES OF FIRST YEAR PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS AT BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Nowadays, technology is an essential part of students’ lives, serving both educational and personal purposes. Social media, in particular, has become highly influential. Between 2004 and 2006, platforms like Facebook and MySpace gained widespread popularity, and today, Facebook has surpassed 500 million users. Research shows that around 85% of college students actively use Facebook, while platforms such as YouTube continue to rise in prominence. Social media plays a significant role in shaping how students explore career options and make important life decisions. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Messenger, and TikTok provide easy access to information about various professions. Additionally, social media modeling—where individuals share advice and influence others online—has been found to impact students’ career choices. The researchers utilized a correlational research design to investigate the relationships between different variables. The study involved 100 first-year Psychology students from Bestlink College of the Philippines, who were purposively chosen as participants. Data collection was conducted using a modified version of the Social Media Modeling Inventory (SMMI). The results revealed that 86% of the surveyed students were female, with ages ranging from 18 to 20 years old. Among the various social media platforms, TikTok was the most frequently used. Data analysis indicated a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.57 with a p-value of 0.00, demonstrating a strong positive relationship between using social media for advice and making career decisions. The findings underscore the crucial influence of social media in shaping students’ career decisions. Based on these insights, the researchers designed a career guidance program aimed at helping students better understand and evaluate their career options. An expert reviewed the program to ensure its appropriateness and effectiveness in addressing students’ career development needs.