The Halo Effect of YouTube: Boosting Perceptions of Social Media for Medical Learning
Keywords:
Medical Education, Self-Directed Learning, YouTube, Social Media, Halo Effect, Digital LiteracyAbstract
Background
Digital platforms like YouTube and social media have evolved from supplementary aids to integral components of medical education, crucial for developing self-directed learning (SDL) skills. However, there is limited evidence on how final-year medical students—on the cusp of professional practice—use these tools and how perceptions of one platform influence another. We aimed to investigate the use of YouTube and social media among final-year medical students and their impact on academic confidence and SDL.
Methods
We conducted a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study at the University of Kerbala College of Medicine, Iraq. A validated questionnaire was administered to 120 final-year students to quantify usage patterns and perceived effectiveness of YouTube and social media. A decision-tree machine learning model was used to identify key predictors of perceived social media effectiveness. Qualitative data were gathered through three focus group discussions (n=18) to explore student experiences, which were then analyzed thematically. The study received full ethical approval.
Results
YouTube was used frequently by 85% (n=102) of students (mean 4.5 h/week) and rated as highly effective for learning by 90% (n=108). While 78% (n=94) used social media regularly, only 65% (n=78) perceived it as effective. The decision-tree model (83.3% accuracy) revealed that positive YouTube experience was the strongest predictor of perceived social media effectiveness. Qualitative analysis highlighted accessibility benefits but raised concerns about information quality and distractions.
Discussion &conclusion
YouTube has become a cornerstone of SDL for final-year medical students, and its positive perception creates a "halo effect," improving student disposition towards other digital learning tools like social media. Medical educators should leverage this phenomenon by formally integrating these platforms into curricula. The focus should be on teaching critical appraisal and information management skills, thereby transforming students' existing digital habits into a robust framework for lifelong learning in their future careers.
Keywords: Medical Education, Self-Directed Learning, YouTube, Social Media, Halo Effect, Digital Literacy
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