Evaluating Awareness and Practices of Knowledge Sharing through Social Media among Research Students at the University of the Punjab, Lahore

Abstract

Social media has become a vital tool for academic collaboration and knowledge dissemination among research students. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and practices of knowledge sharing through social media among research students at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 350 research students (150 males and 200 females) enrolled in M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs across various departments. The results revealed that the perceived level of awareness regarding knowledge sharing through social media was reported as good, with mean scores ranging from 3.24 to 3.95 for different attributes. The level of knowledge sharing practices through social media was also found to be high, with mean scores above 3.00 for most dimensions. The highest scores were obtained for sharing stories, success stories, newsletters, and videos, while the lowest mean score was attained for examination preparation. Independent sample t-tests showed no significant gender differences in awareness and practices of knowledge sharing through social media. ANOVA results indicated that age did not significantly affect participants' perspectives on awareness and practices of knowledge sharing. The findings contribute to improving information sharing practices and provide recommendations for enhancing social media skills among research students.

Keywords: Knowledge Sharing; Social Media; Research Students; University of the Punjab; Awareness; Practices; Academic Collaboration