Vol. 1 (2026): THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE INTENSITY AND EXPOSURE TO INFORMATION ON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG STUDENTS OF MUHAMMADIYAH VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CILEGON, 2025

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a significant health concern among adolescents, 
while much of the health information circulating on social media lacks adequate scientific 
credibility. In response to this issue, the present study aims to examine the relationship between 
the intensity of social media use and exposure to STD-related information among students of 
Muhammadiyah Vocational High School in Cilegon. This study employed a quantitative 
approach with a correlational analytic method and a cross-sectional design. The study 
population consisted of 247 students from grades X to XII, from which a sample of 152 
respondents was selected using a random sampling technique. Data were collected using a 
standardized questionnaire that had been validated and confirmed reliable, with a Cronbach’s 
Alpha value exceeding 0.8. The findings indicated that 44.1% of respondents accessed social 
media more than five times per day, and 75% had been exposed to information related to STDs. 
TikTok (36.2%) and Instagram (31.6%) were identified as the primary platforms through which 
such information was obtained. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between 
the intensity of social media use and exposure to STD-related information (p = 0.001). In 
conclusion, the study demonstrates that higher social media use is associated with a greater 
likelihood of adolescents being exposed to STD-related information. Based on these findings, 
the study recommends optimizing social media as a credible and engaging platform for 
reproductive health education tailored to the characteristics and needs of adolescents.

Published: 2026-02-02