Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

You Got Me Here... Now What?

Examining How University Social Media Influences Belonging Uncertainty Reduction in First-Year Students

Kaelyn L. Hannah

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v33i1.7417

Keywords: belonging uncertainty, university social media, first year college students, marginalized student populations

Abstract

The transition to college is a critical period marked by excitement and uncertainty as first-year students navigate new social and academic environments. This study uses Walton & Cohen’s concept of belonging uncertainty to examine how university-managed Instagram accounts influence belonging uncertainty among first-year students. Using qualitative focus groups, this study investigates how students interpret university social media content and how these interpretations shape perceptions of belonging. Findings indicate that authentic and student-generated content reduces uncertainty and fosters belonging, while overly curated institutional messaging can heighten feelings of exclusion. Implications are discussed for using Instagram as a digital intervention to support first-year transition and retention.