<![CDATA[This study examines the relationship between WhatsApp Group usage patterns and academic discussion participation among Islamic Communication and Broadcasting students at Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara. A quantitative correlational design was employed involving 122 fourth-semester students from five classes. Data were collected using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire measuring WhatsApp Group usage patterns, including frequency, duration, and group involvement, as well as students’ participation in academic discussions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. The results showed that WhatsApp Group usage and students’ discussion participation were generally at moderate to high levels. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between WhatsApp Group usage patterns and discussion participation (r = 0.612, p < 0.001). The regression model indicated that WhatsApp Group usage patterns statistically accounted for 37.5% of the variance in discussion participation, reflecting a predictive association rather than a causal relationship. Students demonstrated greater participation in responding to questions and providing feedback than in initiating discussions and developing arguments. These findings suggest that WhatsApp Group usage patterns are positively associated with students’ academic discussion participation and may provide a basis for further investigation into how structured online discussion practices can facilitate student engagement in higher education.]]>
