Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly transformed the landscape of adolescent socialization, prompting a significant shift away from traditional face-to-face interactions and towards online avenues for connection and engagement. This dramatic shift has been driven by the global impact of the pandemic, which has led to widespread changes in various aspects of life, including education (Sangster et al., 2020). With the implementation of lockdowns and school closures, the education system was forced to adapt quickly, leading to the widespread adoption of online learning platforms. This rapid transition to virtual classrooms significantly impacted Higher Education Institutions (HEIS), requiring both educators and students to make major adjustments (Maskari et al., 2021). However, disparities in internet connectivity hampered the accessibility and effectiveness of online learning, exacerbating existing inequalities in educational opportunities for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds (Bozkurt & Sharma, 2020).
This fundamental shift in educational practices has had a significant ripple effect on adolescent socialization. With limited opportunities for in-person interactions due to school closures and restrictions on social gatherings, adolescents have turned to social media platforms as alternative avenues for connection and communication. Platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, and Snapchat have provided virtual spaces for socialization, allowing adolescents to share experiences, connect with friends and family, and participate in online communities (Verduyn & Ybarra, 2021). These online platforms have offered a lifeline for social interaction during the pandemic, providing adolescents with a sense of normalcy and belonging during a time of social isolation and disruption.