Student life

blog post 1 BCM241

(AI Gentared image through word press)

My autoethnographic study explores the “Student Life Balance” media niche, focusing on how students manage academic and personal demands. I’ve observed Reddit’s r/studentlife community and Instagram influencer Robin Revise, who provides scheduling tips and mental health support. These platforms offer insight into time management and well-being for students worldwide.

My personal and cultural history is rooted in a multicultural upbringing that exposed me to diverse values and perspectives. Navigating different cultural norms has enriched my understanding of inclusivity and empathy. As a student, I’ve faced pressures from academic expectations and societal norms, shaping my views on success and mental health. My biases stem from both my experiences of privilege and the challenges I’ve encountered, leading me to advocate for equity in educational spaces. These experiences inspire me to seek balance in life and encourage others to prioritize their well-being while pursuing academic and personal goals.

Research Data Examples

In my research on student life, I’ve gathered insights from both Reddit and Instagram, focusing on common experiences and tips for productivity.

On Reddit, I observed a post titled “Best broke my brain story,” where a user described spending 10 hours in a computer lab, ultimately forgetting how to return to their dorm. This resonated with me, reflecting the intense focus I often experience, sometimes to an unhealthy extent. The post received minimal engagement, with just five likes and a comment about another brain fog moment, indicating a quieter community.

Instagram engagement is notably more impactful when following accounts like Robin Revive’s, as it demonstrates how students interact, comment, and share content that resonates with their struggles. Many of her followers express challenges related to mental health, time management, and scheduling. The comments and likes on her posts indicate a shared experience, creating a sense of community among students who feel overwhelmed.

In my research, I’ve gathered various forms of data, including screenshots of posts and notes on audience interactions. For example, I noted the reactions to Robin’s reel about midterm tips, which garnered over 1,200 likes, highlighting the relevance of this content for students. Additionally, I shared a poll in my Instagram story to understand my audience’s struggles, further illustrating how platforms like Instagram serve as crucial support systems for students

Overall, these observations reveal different engagement levels and shared experiences among students across platforms.

These are my platform engagements: the first three on Reddit and the next three on Instagram.

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Through my exploration of student life balancing multiple roles, I made two key discoveries that significantly shaped my understanding.

The first discovery was the profound impact of community support on students’ well-being. Engaging with the Reddit community revealed how sharing experiences fosters a sense of belonging among students (Asikainen, Kaipainen, & Katajavuori, 2019). Many individuals expressed feelings of isolation in their struggles; however, connecting with others facing similar challenges created a source of motivation and resilience. This insight emphasized the importance of building supportive relationships, not just for personal growth but also for academic success (Liberante, 2012). I realized that fostering an environment where students can openly discuss their experiences is crucial for improving mental well-being.

My second discovery revolves around the mixed effects of social media. While platforms like Instagram can inspire, they can also set unrealistic standards. Robin Revive’s content often shows a perfect version of student life, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy among peers (Gonzalez & Hancock, 2011). Recognizing this influence has encouraged me to support authenticity in our online interactions. It’s important for us to share not only our achievements but also our challenges.

In summary, these discoveries emphasize the importance of community support while reminding us of the need for honest representation in our online lives. By sharing both successes and difficulties, we can build a more genuine and supportive student environment.

Peer reviewed sources

1. Asikainen, H, Kaipainen, K & Katajavuori, N 2019, ‘Understanding and promoting students’ well-being and performance in university studies’, Journal of university teaching & learning practice, vol. 16, no. 5.
2. Lee, B-K, Suh, T & Sierra, JJ 2020, ‘Understanding the Effects of Physical Images on Viewers in Social Comparison Contexts: A Multi-study Approach’, Journal of promotion management, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 1–18.
3. Sharma, S & Behl, R 2022, ‘Impact of Social Media on Student’s Academic Performance: A Study on Indian Education System’, Global business review, pp. 97215092211068-.
4. Pierro, A, Giacomantonio, M, Pica, G, Kruglanski, AW & Higgins, ET 2013, ‘Locomotion and the preference for multi-tasking: Implications for well-being’, Motivation and emotion, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 213–223.
5. Gamba, RJ, Schmeltz, MT, Ortiz, N, Engelman, A, Lam, J, Ampil, A, Pritchard, MM, Santillan, JKA, Rivera, ES, Wood, LM, Ingram, D, Cheyne, K & Taylor, S 2021, ‘“Spending all this time stressing and worrying and calculating”: marginal food security and student life at a Diverse Urban University’, Public health nutrition, vol. 24, no. 10, pp. 2788–2797.