Soft Skills in a Digital Frame: Exploring the Educational Prospects of Social Media Platforms for University Students: Mohamed First University as a Case Study

Abstract

As digital connectivity becomes an essential component of students’ academic and social lives, social media platforms offer innovative opportunities for developing essential soft skills. This research investigates the way university students at Mohamed First University employ platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to enhance their soft skills, including communication, creativity, teamwork, self-confidence, and digital professionalism. A qualitative case study at Mohamed First University employed an online questionnaire comprising both open-ended and closed-ended questions, enabling the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. The findings indicate that students intentionally utilize social media to cultivate soft skills that enhance their academic and professional development. Participants indicated that activities such as content development, online collaboration, and participation in academic or professional communities enhanced their communication abilities, creativity, teamwork, self-assurance, and digital professionalism. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube have been recognized as environments for self-expression, professional networking, and the dissemination of academic or creative work, thereby fostering enhanced confidence and more effective interpersonal communication. The findings additionally underscore the importance of universities providing guidance to students on the ethical and intentional utilization of social media, as well as incorporating digital literacy and soft skills development into higher education curricula.