Kraft’s journalism students use social media to gather story ideas, communicate with sources, disseminate their writing, and promote their articles. She uses Twitter to take attendance, asking students to post an image or story and tweet a comment about it. She also asks students to reflect on topics by replying with a class hashtag, which is useful for discussion and student engagement.
Using social media outside the classroom
Colleges can also turn to social media to help Gen Z get the most out of their college experience. “By providing students with a direct path to ask questions and voice concerns, colleges can see an increase in engagement rates through all digital platforms, especially social media,” says Doug Ridley, a digital marketing strategist at Vital, a digital agency.
According to Ridley, live chat is a great way to get information to students. Whether you use Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram direct messaging, text messaging, or even website live chat, you’re providing a service. Students can connect on demand, in private, with someone who can answer a question or resolve an issue.
In fact, live chat can be used for all college services, from health and counseling to financial aid and the registrar’s office. However, Ridley says that Gen Z is less apt to initiate conversation, so colleges need to start the discussion. “Posting generically on the university social channel pages and waiting for the comments and interactions to roll in is just not realistic; it’s not how Gen Z interacts,” he says. “Speaking their language can go a long way.”
To do this, Ridley recommends colleges use emojis that grab Gen Z’s attention and enlist peer influencers (such as class and club presidents and athletes) to post on behalf of the school. Messages should be sent on student social media platforms of choice and be communicated quickly, because this is Gen Z’s preferred way of receiving information.
Most important, Ridley says, content should be as targeted and personalized as possible.
Correct implementation of social media helps Gen Z be successful on campus, connecting them with opportunities and experiences they would otherwise miss. Proper social media implementation can help your campus effectively reach Gen Z and increase students’ knowledge of its proper use for their college careers and beyond.
In addition to writing professionally, Sandra Fyfe, MA, teaches technology-enhanced English and foundational literacy courses at Salem State University and North Shore Community College in Massachusetts.
- Can high-tech scale high-touch? - September 4, 2026
- Your institution’s AI strategy needs instructional designers - September 2, 2026
- The hidden link between AI strategy and student retention - August 31, 2026