Social Media Impact On Development Of The Life Skills Of The University Youth

The present study aims to identify the impact of social media websites on the university students “individuals of the research sample” with respect to the level of their life skills with its aspects (skills of  communication and dealing with others, decision making and problems solving, personal skills, skills of managing the financial resources, time management skills). Further, the study aims to reveal the differences in use of social media websites by the university students and their life skills with its relevant aspects based on the differences of (gender, social status, education level of parents and the income level of the family).
The basic research sample consisted of 400 male and female students. (233) male and female students from theoretical colleges and (167) male and female students from practical colleges in Taif University. The students have been taken from families of different social and economical levels and they have been selected randomly. The study tools included the general particulars form, questionnaire of using social media websites and the life skills questionnaire that were prepared by the above to researchers.
The most important results of this study are as follows: There is direct relation between usage of social media websites and the aspects of life skills. There are statistical differences in using social media websites by the university students based on the gender in favor of male students. There are statistical differences among the university students with respect to usage of social media websites based on the age in favor of the sample individuals whose age is 20 years and above.  There are statistical differences among the university students with respect to usage of social media websites based on the father educational level in favor of the sample individuals whose fathers enjoy high educational level. Further, there are statistical differences among the university students, the sample individuals, with respect to the aspects of life skills and the total score of the questionnaire based on the gender in favor of the female students.
The most important recommendations are as follows: Guide the parents to activate their control on the children while using technological devices that evaded every home without violence or austerity but via following up the correct educational persuasive methods suitable for their age which is characterized by independence and pride of opinion. Such methods will enhance the correct usage of social media websites to develop their life skills. Encourage officials and specialists in universities to establish an educational strategy for the usage of social media websites and Internet in general to benefit the university students in educational, cultural and life aspects.