Abstract
This study aims to examine the use of Instagram among 6th-semester Economics students at the Institute of Education of South Tapanuli (IPTS), the academic performance of these students, and whether there is a significant influence of Instagram usage on their academic performance. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed. The study population consisted of 28 6th-semester Economics students at IPTS, and a total sampling technique was used to include all 28 students. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The descriptive analysis of Instagram usage yielded a mean score of 75.71, placing it in the "Good" category, while the mean academic score was 81, placing it in the "Very Good" category. Furthermore, inferential statistical testing showed that the calculated t-value (t-count) was greater than the t-table value (5.103 > 1.706). With a significance level of 0.000 at a 95% confidence level (or a 5% error rate/α = 0.05) where the significance value is less than α (0.000 < 0.05) it is concluded that there is a significant influence of Instagram usage on the academic performance of 6th-semester Economics students at the Institute of Education of South Tapanuli (IPTS).
