How I Accidentally Turned Social Media Into My Study Partner

I had always believed social media was the last place you’d ever find yourself actually learning something substantial. Like, you go there to procrastinate, right? I’d open Instagram for “five minutes” and before I knew it, it’s 2 a.m. and I’ve seen 23 reels of somebody cutting soap or baking miniature cakes in a dollhouse kitchen.

But along the way amidst all the chaos, I began running across things that to my surprise actually helped me in studying. Not in some “transform your life in 24 hours” kind of manner, but sufficiently so that I began passing quizzes instead of failing and actually retained some information. And the greatest thing? It did not really feel like studying.

So if you’re like me who is stuck to your phone most of the time and sorta sick of boring old studying, here’s how you can actually use social media to your advantage (rather than just wasting your time).

Follow People Who Teach Stuff Without Being Boring

Let’s get real: your feed may be nice, but is it helpful?

I started following individuals who broke down school subjects in simple, funny, relatable terms. Such as that girl who deconstructs Shakespeare like it’s a spill of tea, or that dude on TikTok who raps the periodic table (you know, the one). Certain accounts basically made my phone a pocket tutor with memes. Can’t complain.

And the best part? These videos just appear as you scroll. No agenda, no calendar. Autopilot learning.

YouTube = University, But Chill

I used to just watch YouTube for music and those awkward “what I eat in a day” vlogs (nosey, I still do). But one evening, desperate for an approaching bio test, I searched up something I didn’t understand and boom. Video after video explaining it, step by step, with doodles, puns, and genuine enthusiasm.

Now I have playlists for all my subjects. And sure, I still get sucked into the occasional rabbit hole, but at least now it’s sometimes an educational rabbit hole.

Reddit Isn’t Just for Nerds and Conspiracy Theorists

Alright, I stayed away from Reddit for years because it seemed like this terrifying, wild forum with tech bros everywhere. But guess what? It’s actually pretty great for students. Subreddits like r/StudyTips, r/college, or r/explainlikeimfive have saved me behind so many times.

Like, I once asked a random question about time management and received 20 responses with real advice. Some even gave me their study planners and Google Doc templates. Crazy.

Don’t Scroll in Silence, Speak Up

I used to scroll and watch quietly. But when I began commenting, questioning, or responding to folks in stories or threads, I found that I remembered things better. It’s like after you discuss it, it stays.

Even typing “omg I never knew this” gets your brain to go, “Hey, we pay attention to this thing now.”

Instagram Saves Are My Study Notes Low-Key

So here’s a little trick: begin sorting out your Instagram saved posts. Create folders such as “Study Tips,” “Quick Grammar Fixes,” “Motivation” whatever you find useful.

It’s my default location when I just need a fast pick-me-up or when I’m too exhausted to search through real textbooks. It’s also really convenient when I need to revisit something I viewed before but forgot where. Digital brain = unlocked.

Create Your Own Stuff (Even If It’s Dumb)

This one felt weird at first, but hear me out: making content about what you’re learning actually works. Like, even if you’re just explaining something on camera to your dog or making a dumb meme about the French Revolution, it helps.

I once made a TikTok defining a math term just so I’d remember it. Nobody saw it. But guess what? I nailed that section of the test.

Know When to Log Off Before You Spiral

Okay okay, I know I just hyped social media up, but let’s not kid ourselves, it can eat up your whole day if you’re not careful. I’ve gone from watching a physics explainer to suddenly binge watching slime videos for an hour. It happens.

That’s why I began using timers. 25 minutes of studying, 5 minutes of scrolling. Or app blockers if I absolutely must concentrate. Because as much assistance as social media can offer, it still requires limits. Otherwise, it’s just another justification for not studying.

Final Thoughts

I’m not suggesting social media will replace your textbook or turn you into a genius overnight. But if you’re already on it (and come on you are), why not throw in some useful information while you’re there?

I’ve learned science principles, vocabulary, writing tricks, and even study session formatting tips all from influencers whom I am subscribed to. And considerably less boring than quietly reading through a 500-page PDF.

So take a try at it. Subscribe to a couple creators who make some smart things. Join one Reddit post. Make a stupid flashcard clip. Introduce it in moderation among the memes and the chaos.

Because honestly? Learning doesn’t always have to appear serious in order to be serious.