Exploring Digital Behavior and Social Media use Patterns of College Student

Author(s)	Prof. Dr. VIJAY M. KUMBHAR
Country	India
Abstract	This study examines social media usage patterns among 580 college students in Satara district, Maharashtra, with a focus on gender differences. The research investigates daily usage duration, frequency of engagement, purpose, preferences, and the relationship between virtual networks and offline interactions. Findings indicate that most students use social media moderately, primarily for communication, education, and entertainment, with females favoring educational and relational purposes. High-frequency usage is more common among males, while offline interactions remain concentrated within smaller circles, despite large online networks. The study also explores the prevalence of FoMO and its influence on social media behavior. These insights highlight the need for balanced digital engagement and targeted awareness initiatives to promote healthy social media practices among youth.
Keywords	Social media, Youth, FoMO, Digital engagement, Preferences, behavior
Field	Sociology > Journalism / Media
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-05
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.70757

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