The place and impact of social media in social sciences education

In the 21st century, rapid changes in areas such as science, technology, economics, education and culture make it imperative for individuals to be open to innovation and to develop lifelong learning skills. This situation signals a transformation of critical importance for the future success of societies. This change, which particularly affects education, is reshaping the roles of teachers and schools, requiring the integration of new approaches and methods into educational processes. Schools have a responsibility to educate individuals not only academically, but also within a social and cultural context. Therefore, teachers should not only equip their students with knowledge-based skills, but also ensure that they grow into individuals who are open to innovation, think critically, and can participate consciously in their communities. Teachers are also expected to be individuals who can adapt to age-related changes and technological innovations and who can learn how to learn. Social studies education emerges as an important part of this process. This is because the role of social media and digital technologies in education increases students' awareness of social issues and fosters the development of critical thinking and conscious participation skills. The effective use of social media in education necessitates a change in teaching methods, requiring teachers to enhance their digital literacy and effectively integrate digital tools into the educational process. Social studies education has become a driving force in this change. The effective use of social media is essential for students to accurately analyse information found on digital platforms, question its validity, and at the same time fulfil their social responsibilities more effectively. Therefore, this change in education plays an important role in ensuring that individuals approach social events in a more sensitive, conscious, and responsible manner. The aim of this study is to examine the place and impact of social media in social studies education.