Impact of Social Media Sports Content on Students Physical Exercise Interest and Perceived Benefits: A Literatur Review

Abstract

The rapid development of social media has significantly influenced students’ daily behavior, including their engagement in physical activity and sports. However, the increasing exposure to sports-related content has not always been accompanied by a clear understanding of how it shapes students’ interest in physical exercise and their perceptions of its benefits. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of sports-related content on social media on students’ interest in physical exercise and their perceptions of the benefits of such activities. This study employs a qualitative library research approach using content analysis of eight selected scientific journal articles published between 2021 and 2026. The findings indicate that students are among the most active users in consuming and producing sports-related content on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. The intensity of content exposure influences students’ interest in physical exercise through intrinsic motivation, the formation of positive attitudes, and perceived behavioral control. Furthermore, sports-related content contributes to shaping students’ perceptions of exercise benefits across physical, psychological, and social dimensions. In conclusion, social media sports content plays a significant role in encouraging students’ interest in physical exercise and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. However, its effectiveness depends on students’ level of digital literacy and psychological readiness, highlighting the importance of guided and responsible use of social media.