Monageng, Thapelo
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Journal : COMPETITIVE: Journal of Education

Decoding Gen-Z: The Impact of Social Networks on Their Decision-Making Mechanisms Monageng, Thapelo; Mabina, Alton
COMPETITIVE: Journal of Education Vol. 4 No. 3 (2025): Transformative Education and Learning
Publisher : Perkumpulan Dosen Fakultas Agama Islam Indramayu

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58355/competitive.v4i3.175

Abstract

This research explores the influence of social media on the decision-making mechanisms of Generation Z, particularly in the context of political engagement and voting behavior. With social media platforms becoming increasingly central to how Gen-Z interacts with information, this study investigates the frequency and patterns of social media use among university students in Botswana, focusing on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating both surveys and interviews, was employed to gather data from 345 participants at the University of Botswana. Findings reveal that a significant proportion of Gen-Z students encounter political content regularly on social media, with Facebook being the most frequently used platform for political engagement. The study highlights the role of social media in shaping political opinions, with many respondents indicating that their voting decisions were influenced by online interactions and content. However, concerns about misinformation and the reliability of sources were prevalent. The results provide insights into how social media platforms are increasingly integrated into Gen-Z’s decision-making processes, offering valuable implications for educators, marketers, and policymakers in Botswana. This research contributes to understanding the broader impact of social media on youth engagement in the political sphere and lays the groundwork for further studies on digital influence in African contexts.
Factors Influencing Gen Z’s Adoption and Usability on Internet of Things (Iots) in Higher Education: Case of Botswana Monageng, Thapelo; Rafifing, Neo; Mabina, Alton
COMPETITIVE: Journal of Education Vol. 4 No. 4 (2025): Transformative Education and Learning
Publisher : Perkumpulan Dosen Fakultas Agama Islam Indramayu

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58355/competitive.v4i4.176

Abstract

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in higher education presents significant opportunities to enhance learning experiences and institutional operations. However, the adoption and effective utilization of IoT technologies among Generation Z (Gen Z) students in Botswana's higher education sector remain underexplored. This study investigates the factors influencing IoT adoption and usability among Gen-Z students in Botswana's higher education institutions, with a specific focus on the role of social media in shaping perceptions and decision-making processes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study collected quantitative data through surveys from one hundred participants and qualitative insights through semi-structured interviews with twenty participants. Quantitative analysis revealed that entertainment and information gathering are primary motives for social media engagement, while trust in online content varies across demographics, and encounters with misinformation are common. Qualitative findings highlighted the role of peer validation and algorithm-driven content in shaping opinions. The findings reveal that social media significantly influences students’ awareness, trust, and attitudes toward IoT technologies, with exposure to misinformation and peer validation playing critical roles. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of digital literacy and ethical content moderation in fostering responsible IoT engagement. The results underscore the need for targeted strategies to promote IoT acceptance and digital literacy, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of technology-enabled learning in Botswana’s higher education sector. This research provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and technology developers aiming to facilitate the responsible integration of IoT in higher education.