THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE INFORMAL LEARNING OF SOFT SKILLS AMONG YOUNG GRADUATES

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines the role of social media in the informal learning of soft skills among young graduates. In a context where employability increasingly depends on communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership, social media platforms have become important spaces for accessing professional content, career advice, peer experiences, and learning resources outside formal education. Based on a positivist perspective and a hypothetico-deductive approach, the study uses a quantitative survey to test the effects of three dimensions of social media as an informal learning environment: exposure to educational content, accessibility of learning resources, and online interaction. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS. The results confirm the reliability and validity of the measurement model and show that the three dimensions positively influence informal soft skills learning among young graduates. Exposure to educational content has the strongest effect, followed by accessibility of learning resources and online interaction. The study contributes to the literature by linking social media-based informal learning with soft skills development and highlights the practical value of digital platforms for graduate employability.

Keywords: social media; informal learning; soft skills; young graduates; employability; SmartPLS.