As college students increasingly turn to social media to connect with peers before arriving on campus, concerns arise about the authenticity of these online interactions. While platforms like Instagram provide a way to ease anxiety about loneliness, experts suggest that genuine friendships often form through in-person interactions during orientation and campus events.

• 01Social media platforms allow incoming college students to connect before arriving on campus, but these interactions may lack authenticity.
• 02Many of these social media accounts are run by outside companies, not the colleges themselves, and often charge fees for postings.
• 03Research indicates that students who engage with these platforms may have a higher retention rate and sense of community.
• 04Real friendships are often formed through in-person interactions during orientation activities and campus events.
• 05Students are encouraged to be open and friendly in person, as most newcomers share the same anxiety about making friends.

The trend of using social media to make connections can affect how students transition into college life, potentially influencing their sense of belonging and retention rates.