The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Exercise Motivation Among University Students in Medan

Abstract

Background

Social media has become an integral part of students’ daily lives, influencing lifestyle choices, including exercise and physical activity. Despite its growing relevance, limited studies in Indonesia, particularly in Medan, have examined how social media use relates to exercise motivation among university students.  

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between social media use and exercise motivation among university students in Medan.

Methods

A quantitative correlational survey was conducted among 300 undergraduate students (150 male, 150 female) from three universities in Medan. Data were collected using a Social Media Usage Scale and the Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 (EMI-2). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0.

Results

The findings revealed that 85% of students reported daily social media use exceeding three hours, with 60% following fitness-related content. A significant positive correlation was found between social media use and exercise motivation (r = .46, p < .01). Regression analysis showed that social media use accounted for 21% of the variance in exercise motivation (β = .39, p < .001).

Conclusion

Social media use, particularly engagement with fitness-related content, is positively associated with exercise motivation among university students in Medan. These findings highlight the potential of social media as a tool to foster active lifestyles and suggest opportunities for educators and policymakers to design digital health promotion strategies.