Academic Self-Efficacy as Mediator of Social Networking Usage and Digital Literacy Competence of Students

The study aimed to determine if academic self-efficacy significantly mediates the relationship between social networking usage and digital literacy competence of students. This study utilized a quantitative, non-experimental design, employing the descriptive correlation method and mediation technique to investigate the relationship among the three variables. The findings of the study indicated a high level of social networking usage, a very high level of digital literacy competence, and a high level of academic self-efficacy. Furthermore, the results revealed a significant relationship among the three variables, with social networking usage and digital literacy competence being partially mediated by academic self-efficacy. As students use social networking sites, more academic institutions will utilize social media in their learning approaches. Then, students must learn digital technologies for their studies, access information online, and connect with peers. Eventually, digital literacy competence will be a factor in students' academic self-efficacy.