The Influence of Social Media Exposure on the Interpersonal Communication Skills of Hospitality Students

Abstract

Interpersonal competency has long been recognized as a crucial success factor in the hospitality industry. There is a common misconception that digital native students have underdeveloped interpersonal skills compared to students of previous generations due to heavy exposure to social media. This study explores the relationship between hospitality students’ average interpersonal communication skills and their heavy social media exposure. Statistical tests yielded no significant relationship between social media exposure and interpersonal communication skills. However, influences were gathered qualitatively, particularly in the areas of emotional intelligence and group communication. Real life experiences and teacher’s competence are influential in developing interpersonal communication skills.