Problematic internet use mediates the relationship between nonacademic social media use and academic performance among Indonesian Islamic University students

This study examines the relationship between nonacademic social media use and its effect on Decrease in Academic Performance, with a specific focus on the mediating role of Problematic Internet Use. This research, which was conducted with 230 students from Islamic universities in Central Java, reveals that Problematic Internet Use is directly linked to a Decrease in Academic Performance. Furthermore, while nonacademic social media use does not directly affect academic performance, it contributes directly to Problematic Internet Use, which subsequently impacts academic outcomes. Ultimately, the study identifies a full mediation effect, demonstrating that Problematic Internet Use fully explains the connection between nonacademic social media use and a Decrease in Academic Performance. These findings emphasize the need to address problematic Internet behaviors as a strategy to increase student academic success.