Journal of Educational Management Research
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026)

The Influence of Social Media Influencers and Institutional Trust on Gen Z Students’ Decisions in Choosing Educational Institutions on Instagram

Humairoh, Refy (Unknown)
Fedianty Augustinah (Unknown)
Dian Ferriswara (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study aims to examine the influence of social media influencers and institutional trust on Generation Z students’ decisions in choosing educational institutions through the Instagram platform. The research employs a quantitative approach with an explanatory research design. The sample consists of 96 Generation Z respondents selected using the Cochran formula. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a Likert scale and analyzed using multiple linear regression techniques. The results indicate that social media influencers have a significant effect on students’ decision-making in selecting educational institutions, as evidenced by a t-value of 5.560 (p < 0.05). Institutional trust also shows a significant influence on students’ decisions, with a t-value of 4.425 (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the F-test yields an F-value of 177.332 (p < 0.05), demonstrating that social media influencers and institutional trust collectively exert a significant impact on students’ enrollment decisions. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.617 indicates that 61.7% of the variance in students’ decision-making can be explained by the two independent variables, while the remaining 38.3% is influenced by other factors outside the research model.The findings imply that effective management of social media influencers and the strengthening of institutional trust play a crucial role in educational marketing and public relations management. Educational institutions are encouraged to optimize influencer-based digital promotion strategies while simultaneously enhancing credibility, transparency, and institutional reputation to attract Generation Z students in the digital era

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jemr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Educational Management Research is an international peer-reviewed journal which publishes original and significant contributions to educational management, administration, and leadership, in its broadest sense, from all over the world. This includes primary research projects in schools ...