The Influence of Social Media on the Personal Values among Gen Z Students

Social media has become an integral part of daily life, prompting discussions about how it may influence the development of personal values, particularly among younger generations. This study aimed to provide an in-depth knowledge of the influence of social media on the personal values of Generation Z students, contributing to the ongoing discourse on education in the digital age. As social media continuously progress, yet research about its influence on personal values, especially in the Philippines, is limited. This study employed a quantitative research method with a descriptive design using a researcher made validated survey questionnaire based on Schwartz’s value theory administered to 126 Junior High School students from the State University of Bulacan selected through stratified-random sampling and simple random sampling to examine the influence of social media on the personal values of Gen Z students. The findings indicate that time spent on social media significantly impacts values such as embracing new ideas, respecting cultural traditions, compassion, and self-improvement. Additionally, the study reveals that gender does not play a significant role in shaping these values. These insights highlight the need for careful consideration of social media’s influence on the younger generation’s development. Based on the results of the study, social media significantly shapes the personal values of Generation Z students, influencing their openness, compassion, and self-growth, and it is recommended to integrate digital literacy, encourage responsible online behavior, and foster collaboration between educators, parents, and platforms to promote positive engagement.